Muscle Weakness, Obesity, Overweight, Pulmonary Disease
Conditions
Keywords
Obesity, Overweight, Pulmonary Function, Pilates, Core Stabilization, Abdominal Endurance, Breathing Exercises, Body Mass Index, Respiratory Rate
Brief summary
This study aims to examine the effects of an 8-week Pilates-based exercise program on breathing functions in overweight and obese women (BMI ≥ 25). The program includes exercises for abdominal endurance and core stabilization, performed three times a week. Participants will be divided into two groups: an exercise group and a control group. Before and after the program, measurements will include lung function (spirometry), breathing rate, breath-holding time, abdominal mobility, core endurance (curl-up test), and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire). The goal is to find out whether this type of exercise can improve breathing and overall health in women with excess weight.
Detailed description
This study aims to investigate the effect of an 8-week Pilates-based abdominal endurance and core stabilization exercise program on respiratory function in obese and overweight women (BMI ≥ 25). The intervention program is planned to last for a total of 24 sessions, 3 days a week. The exercises will be performed using reformer and cadillac devices, under the supervision of a physical therapist, at the Easyfiz Healthy Living Center. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group receiving the exercise intervention and a control group not receiving the intervention. Assessments conducted before and after the study for both groups will include the following parameters: * Spirometry (FEV₁, FVC, FEV₁/FVC ratio), * Respiratory rate, * Breath-holding time (in seconds), * Thoracoabdominal expansion (measured with a tape measure at the epigastric, subcostal, and lower costal levels), * Core muscle endurance (using the ACSM Curl-Up test), * Quality of life (using the 36-item Short Form - SF-36). The exercise program will be planned in three phases: Weeks 1-2: beginner level, Weeks 3-5: intermediate level, Weeks 6-8: advanced level. Each session will last approximately 45-50 minutes and will consist of a warm-up (diaphragmatic breathing and mobilization), main exercise (core stability and breathing-focused movements), and cool-down (stretching and breathing relaxation exercises). This study aims to contribute to the field of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation by demonstrating the effects of a comprehensive exercise approach aimed at improving respiratory function and quality of life in obese individuals.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPilates-Based Core and Breathing Exercise Program
An 8-week supervised Pilates-based exercise program for overweight and obese women, focusing on abdominal endurance and core stabilization. Sessions (3/week) include diaphragmatic breathing, use of reformer and cadillac equipment, and structured warm-up, main, and cool-down phases.
Sponsors
Ondokuz Mayıs University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Women aged 18-60 2. Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² (obese and overweight) 3. Baseline FEV0 value ≥ 80% (measured by spirometry) 4. Individuals without respiratory disease (no diagnosis of asthma, COPD, etc.) 5. Individuals who have not engaged in regular exercise in the past 6 months 6. Individuals without orthopedic or neurological conditions that physically prevent participation in the exercise protocol 7. Non-pregnant individuals 8. Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study and sign the informed consent form
Exclusion criteria
1\. Individuals with a FEV0 value \<80% (due to risk of obstructive lung disease) 2. Individuals who have undergone surgery in the abdomen, waist, or pelvic area within the last 6 months 3. Individuals with orthopedic, neurological, or systemic diseases that would prevent them from exercising 4. Individuals who have been engaging in regular exercise for 3 or more days per week in the past 3 months 5. Individuals with diagnosed respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, COPD, etc.) 6. Individuals who are unable to comply with the exercise program due to psychiatric diagnosis or communication difficulties
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) - Spirometry | Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention | Forced vital capacity (FVC) was assessed using spirometry and expressed in liters (L). FVC represents the maximum volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a maximal inspiration. |
| Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV₁) - Spirometry | Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention | Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) was assessed using spirometry and expressed in liters (L). FEV₁ represents the volume of air forcibly exhaled during the first second of a forced expiratory maneuver following maximal inspiration. |
| FEV₁/FVC Ratio - Spirometry | Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention | The FEV₁/FVC ratio was calculated from spirometric measurements as the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) to forced vital capacity (FVC) and expressed as a percentage (%) |
| Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) - Spirometry | Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention | Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was assessed using spirometry and expressed in liters per second (L/s). PEFR represents the maximum expiratory flow achieved during a forced expiratory maneuver following maximal inspiration. |
| Upper Thoracic Expansion (Upper Chest Mobility) | Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention | Upper thoracic expansion (upper chest mobility) was assessed using a tape measure and expressed in centimeters (cm). The difference in chest circumference between maximal inspiration and maximal expiration was recorded to evaluate upper thoracic mobility. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed