Abdominal and Core Exercises on Respiratory Functions in Obese and Overweight Women (COREBREATH)

Effects of Abdominal Endurance and Core Stabilization Exercises on Respiratory Functions in Overweight and Obese Women

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.

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.

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