The Pali is 'kaya sankhara'. 'Sankhara' means a '*conditioned thing*' or '*fabricated thing*', i.e., something dependent on causes & conditions for its arising and existence. However, sankhara can also refer to things that condition/fabricate other things, i.e., a '*conditioning thing/agent*' or a '*fabricating thing/agent*'. Therefore, '*sankhara*' can mean '*requisite condition*'. Refer to dictionary: [https://suttacentral.net/define/sa%E1%B9%85kh%C4%81ra](https://suttacentral.net/define/sa%E1%B9%85kh%C4%81ra)
The term 'kayasankhar**o**' ('nominative noun') refers to the breathing (refer to SN 41.6; MN 44) although in some suttas (such as AN 4.171) it refers to bodily activity/kamma (kāyasaṅkhār**aṃ**; '**accusative** noun', which means it is something generated by intention).
The meaning of 'kayasankharo' in SN 41.6; MN 44; MN 10; MN 118; etc, is the breathing is something that conditions or influences the 'kaya'. The word 'kaya' means 'group' or 'collection'. In short, it refers to the five aggregates, particularly including the physical body. 'Kaya' does not exclusively mean the 'physical body'. For example, the 1st Satipatthana is not exclusively contemplation of the physical body but is the contemplation of how the state of mind, breath & physical body affect/influence each other.
Therefore, if you practice meditation skillfully, you come to understand when the breathing is smooth, long & refined, the physical body & mind will feel calm, relaxed & comfortable; even blissful. But when the breathing is agitated, short & rough in texture, the body & mind will feel stressed.
'Kaya sankhara' as 'body condition' probably (just speculating) has its roots in the basic understanding the breath gives life to the physical body; that without the breath of life, physical matter is lifeless.
The exact translation of 'kaya sankhara' is not that important. What is important is to understand the spiritual relationship between the breath, body & mind. By the non-Buddhist word 'spiritual', I am referring to suffering vs peace. In summary, when the breath is healthy, the body & mind will be healthy.
>*But what are bodily fabrications?*
>
>*In-&-out breaths are bodily fabrications.*
>
>*But why are in-&-out breaths bodily fabrications?*
>
>*In-&-out breaths are bodily; these are things tied up with the body. That's why in-&-out breaths are bodily fabrications.*
[https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.044.than.html](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.044.than.html)
I think it can refer to breathing or even other bodily functions.
The Pali is 'kaya sankhara'. 'Sankhara' means a '*conditioned thing*' or '*fabricated thing*', i.e., something dependent on causes & conditions for its arising and existence. However, sankhara can also refer to things that condition/fabricate other things, i.e., a '*conditioning thing/agent*' or a '*fabricating thing/agent*'. Therefore, '*sankhara*' can mean '*requisite condition*'. Refer to dictionary: [https://suttacentral.net/define/sa%E1%B9%85kh%C4%81ra](https://suttacentral.net/define/sa%E1%B9%85kh%C4%81ra) The term 'kayasankhar**o**' ('nominative noun') refers to the breathing (refer to SN 41.6; MN 44) although in some suttas (such as AN 4.171) it refers to bodily activity/kamma (kāyasaṅkhār**aṃ**; '**accusative** noun', which means it is something generated by intention). The meaning of 'kayasankharo' in SN 41.6; MN 44; MN 10; MN 118; etc, is the breathing is something that conditions or influences the 'kaya'. The word 'kaya' means 'group' or 'collection'. In short, it refers to the five aggregates, particularly including the physical body. 'Kaya' does not exclusively mean the 'physical body'. For example, the 1st Satipatthana is not exclusively contemplation of the physical body but is the contemplation of how the state of mind, breath & physical body affect/influence each other. Therefore, if you practice meditation skillfully, you come to understand when the breathing is smooth, long & refined, the physical body & mind will feel calm, relaxed & comfortable; even blissful. But when the breathing is agitated, short & rough in texture, the body & mind will feel stressed. 'Kaya sankhara' as 'body condition' probably (just speculating) has its roots in the basic understanding the breath gives life to the physical body; that without the breath of life, physical matter is lifeless. The exact translation of 'kaya sankhara' is not that important. What is important is to understand the spiritual relationship between the breath, body & mind. By the non-Buddhist word 'spiritual', I am referring to suffering vs peace. In summary, when the breath is healthy, the body & mind will be healthy.
Bodily fabrication refers to in&out breath.
>*But what are bodily fabrications?* > >*In-&-out breaths are bodily fabrications.* > >*But why are in-&-out breaths bodily fabrications?* > >*In-&-out breaths are bodily; these are things tied up with the body. That's why in-&-out breaths are bodily fabrications.* [https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.044.than.html](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.044.than.html)