A Randomised Study of Vocal and Breathing Exercises on Pulmonary Function and Trunk Stability in Female Adults
Abstract
Background. The effects of breathing exercises and vocal exercises on respiratory function and trunk stability in women remain unclear.
Aim. To compare the effects of vocal exercises and breathing exercises on respiratory function and core stability in women.
Methods. Fifty women participated in this randomised study. Respiratory function was assessed using thoracic excursion (Th3–4, Th7–8, Th11–12), breath-holding tests, and spirometry (PEF, FVC, FEV1). Trunk stability was evaluated using dynamic neuromuscular stabilisation (DNS) tests and trunk stability assessments with the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback device. Participants were randomly assigned to a breathing exercise group or a vocal exercise group.
Results. In the breathing exercise group, statistically significant improvements were observed in breath-hold duration, thoracic excursion at Th3–4, Th7–8, and Th11–12, PEF, DNS head, neck, and trunk flexion tests, and trunk stability with right-leg flexion using the Stabilizer device. In the vocal exercise group, significant improvements were observed in thoracic excursion, spirometry parameters (PEF, FVC, FEV1), breath-holding tests, DNS assessments, and trunk stability with left-leg flexion using the Stabilizer device. Between-group comparisons indicated that the vocal exercise group achieved significantly greater improvements in FVC, FEV1, and trunk stability with left-leg flexion.
Conclusions. Vocal exercises improved respiratory function, enhanced respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and supported trunk stability in women. Breathing exercises also improved respiratory function, muscle strength, and endurance. While vocal exercises demonstrated a superior effect on lung function (FVC and FEV1) compared to breathing exercises, both interventions had comparable effects on respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and trunk stability.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07175844
Keywords: breathing exercises; vocal exercises; respiratory system; core stability
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