Frog breathing, the common term for glossopharyngeal breathing (GPB), is an acquired skill which can be used to produce adequate ventilation for lengthy periods of time even when there is total paralysis of the respiratory muscles (Dail et al., 1955). Frog breathing uses the muscles of the tongue (genioglossus) and the throat (pharynx) to force air into the trachea and lungs through a repetitious swallowing- pumping process referred to as a “stroke.” All the muscles of the tongue and throat must be functional.
Frog breathing is used effectively by many polio survivors with respiratory impairment to increase vital capacity, aid coughing, stretch the chest, provide better and louder speech, and enable ventilator-free time, especially during equipment emergencies. In some cases, individuals with highly developed frog breathing skills can remain ventilator-free during the daytime. A proficient frog breather can average approximately 8 or 9 breaths per minute with each breath requiring 12 to 15 strokes.
Most individuals need considerable instruction and encouragement to learn this technique, as well as hours of practice to master it. Learning to frog breathe is similar to blowing up a new balloon: the first attempt to inflate it is very difficult, but each additional attempt at inflation becomes easier. Filling the lungs with air during frog breathing also becomes easier with practice. Expanding the whole chest increases the compliance of the chest cage and lungs making for better lung function.
Reference
Dail, C., Affeldt, J., & Collier, C. (1955). Clinical aspects of glossopharyngeal breathing: Report of its use by one hundred post-polio patients. Journal of the American Medical Association, 158(6), 445-449.