Effects of different exercises on respiratory parameters: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Respiratory muscle strength is crucial for overall physical performance.
• Core stabilization (CS) and auxiliary respiratory muscle (ARM) exercises are potential interventions to enhance respiratory function.
• Limited comparative studies exist on the specific effects of CS versus ARM exercises on respiratory parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of core stabilization (CS) and auxiliary respiratory muscle (ARM) strengthening exercises on oxygen consumption and respiratory parameters.
• To evaluate changes in maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max), FEV1/FVC, and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV).

Main Methods:

• 51 participants were randomized into three groups: CS, ARM, and Control (C).
• Interventions included 6 weeks of CS or ARM exercises, 3 days per week.
• Respiratory parameters (VO2 max, FEV1/FVC, MVV) were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Both CS and ARM groups showed significantly higher increases in FEV1/FVC and MVV compared to the Control group (p < 0.05).
• No significant difference was found between the CS and ARM groups for FEV1/FVC and MVV.
• No statistically significant differences in VO2 max were observed between any groups.

Conclusions:

• Core stabilization (CS) and auxiliary respiratory muscle (ARM) exercises positively impact FEV1/FVC and MVV.
• Both exercise types offer comparable benefits for improving specific respiratory parameters.
• Neither CS nor ARM exercises significantly affected VO2 max in this study population.