TABLE 1.

Wording of verbal suggestions and description of non-verbal suggestions taken from clinical practice and to improve breathing power.

Situation in the past	Version A	“Remember a situation, where something went really wrong. Everyone was disappointed in you, including yourself. This was terrible. You were really ashamed.”
	Version B	“Remember a situation, when you were really successful and entirely satisfied with yourself. Everything went so well—totally perfect.”
Risk information for informed consent	Version A	“If you wish, we can place a pain catheter, with the risk of infection, allergic reaction, and damage to blood vessels or nerves.”
	Version B	“We have the option of a catheter to prevent discomfort. Even though there is a risk of infection, allergic reaction, or damage to blood vessels or nerves you will have to take fewer pills, are more mobile, feel and recover better, and maybe can go home sooner.”
Transportation to the OR		“Imagine you are a patient in hospital. You are lying in bed, being brought to the operation room. That is what you see.”
Self-affirmation (with circular massage of a point under the clavicula by two fingers)		“It has been found that performance and feelings have a lot to do with motion and body sensation. Please also do this movement. And now repeat the following sentence: Even if sometimes I am so stressed and tired that I run out of breath, I like myself and accept myself as I am.”
Empowering word	Given: fireball	“Perhaps there is a fitting word for all your energy and inner strength, the epitome of strength. Let me tell you a word like that: fireball!”
	Chosen by the participant	“Maybe you can find a much better word yourself. What would be such an empowering word for you? When you find something, just nod. Now say that word for yourself. You can also speak it out loud.”
	Repetition of the own empowering word	”You had previously found your own strong empowering word. Recall now and feel how it works in you. Think of your empowering word.”
Strengthening of self-perception	Picture of a cat, looking in a mirror and seeing a lion	“Please look at this picture. Now close your eyes and imagine that you look in a mirror. What would it be, what you see. Which animal, which hero would really give you strength? If you see your reflection in front of you, please nod briefly.”
Inflating a balloon		“Imagine, you have a balloon, you can inflate it. With every breath it gets bigger and bigger, until it is big enough for you to fly away with it. Take deep breaths and inflate firmly!”

Four different parameters are measured to assess respiratory muscle strength after giving the suggestions face to face. To facilitate internalization of the suggestion, a short version was repeated during the breathing maneuvers.