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

Ondokuz Mayıs University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Overweight; Muscle Weakness; Pulmonary Disease; Obesity

Treatments: Behavioral: Pilates-Based Core and Breathing Exercise Program

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07103499

2025/345

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 48 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

48 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

This group will participate in an 8-week supervised Pilates-based exercise program focused on core stabilization and abdominal endurance. Sessions will be held three times a week at Easyfiz Clinic using reformer and cadillac Pilates equipment. Each session will include diaphragmatic breathing-based warm-up and cool-down components.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Pilates-Based Core and Breathing Exercise Program

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this group will not receive any specific exercise or breathing intervention. They will be instructed to maintain their usual daily activities during the study period.