Effects of Kettlebell Swing Training Combined With Breathing Exercises on Respiratory Muscle Strength and Pulmonary Function in Overweight and Obese Young Adults

Effects of Kettlebell Swing Training Combined With Breathing Exercises on Respiratory Muscle Strength and Pulmonary Function in Overweight and Obese Young Adults

Overweight and obesity are associated with impaired breathing mechanics, including reduced chest wall and diaphragmatic movement, decreased respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and inefficient breathing patterns. These changes may adversely affect pulmonary function, autonomic regulation, and physical capacity.

This study aims to compare the effects of kettlebell swing exercise combined with breathing training versus breathing training alone in individuals with overweight or obesity. Outcomes will include respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, heart rate variability, and body composition. The findings may help determine whether adding kettlebell swing exercise to breathing training provides additional benefits for respiratory and cardiometabolic health in this population.

A total of 40 young adults aged 18-25 years with overweight or obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥23.0 kg/m²) will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups.

The experimental group will perform kettlebell swing exercise combined with breathing training for 40 minutes per session. The control group will receive breathing training alone for 20 minutes per session. Both groups will participate in their assigned intervention three times per week for 6 weeks.

Outcome measures will include respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, heart rate variability (HRV), and body composition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female adults aged 18-25 years with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥23.0 kg/m².
• Individuals who are physically inactive or sedentary, defined as exercising fewer than 3 days per week or engaging in less than 150 minutes of exercise per week.
• Willingness to provide written informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of bodily pain, particularly in the upper or lower extremities, with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of >3/10.
• Musculoskeletal disorders, such as scoliosis.
• History of neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury, epilepsy, or stroke.
• History of respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, emphysema, asthma, previous lung lobectomy, or lung cancer.
• History of chronic non-communicable diseases or other systemic disorders, including diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine disorders, or immune system disorders.