a diaphragm assist device includes a magnetic mat adapted for mounting inside a human body adjacent the diaphragm . the mat is made from a material responsive to application of an electromagnetic field so as to be movable into compressive relation with the diaphragm in response to application of the electromagnetic field thereto and movable out of the compressive relation to permit the diaphragm to relax when application of the electromagnetic field is discontinued . the device also includes an electromagnetic assembly adapted for surrounding the torso of the human body in functionally cooperative relation with respect to the mat , and for alternately generating and discontinuing the electromagnetic field so that the mat alternately moves into and out of the compressive relation with the diaphragm . the device also includes a controller constructed and arranged to control an intensity level of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic assembly .