Effects of different core exercises on respiratory parameters and abdominal strength

[Purpose] This study determined the effects a new modality of core stabilizationexercises based on diaphragmatic breathing on pulmonary function, abdominal fitness, andmovement efficiency. [Subjects] Thirty-two physically active, healthy males were randomlyassigned to an experimental group (n = 16) and a control group (n = 16). [Methods] Theexperimental group combined diaphragmatic breathing exercises with global stretchingpostures, and the control group performed common abdominal exercises (e.g., crunch, plank,sit-up), both for 15 minutes twice weekly for 6 weeks. Pulmonary function (measured byforced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and peak expiratory flow) andabdominal fitness (measured with the American College of Sports Medicine curl-up [cadence]test and the Functional Movement Screen^TM) were evaluated before and after theintervention. [Results] Significant changes in curl-up (cadence) test scores, FunctionalMovement Screen scores, and all pulmonary parameters were recorded in the experimentalgroup at the posttraining assessment, whereas in the control group, no significantdifferences over baseline were observed in any parameters. [Conclusion] Compared withtraditional abdominal exercises, core stabilization exercises based on breathing andglobal stretching postures are more effective in improving pulmonary function andabdominal fitness.Key words: Respiratory parameters, Core stability, Diaphragmatic breathing