Recent research has illustrated the influence of respiration on cerebrospinal fluid movement using magnetic resonance spin labeling. The research allowed doctors to visualize CSF movement induced by respiratory excursions during deep inhalation and exhalation to a degree before unseen.

Although the mechanisms behind CSF flow in humans are still not fully known, additional research has shown significant CSF flow exclusively with respiratory inspiration. In particular, during forced breathing, high CSF flow was elicited during every inspiration, whereas breath holding suppressed it.