| Abstract |
This study investigated the effects of breathing patterns on changes in chest expansion, diaphragmatic
excursion, respiratory muscle strength, and slow vital capacity during curl-up exercise. Methods: 15 female students
attending S University in Busan participated in this study. Based on the Hi-Lo test, eight were classified as abdominal
breathers and seven as thoracic breathers. Chest expansion was measured using a tape measure(Portable one-touch mini
tape measure 150 cm, Goyo Global, China), and diaphragmatic excursion was assessed via ultrasound(MicrUs, TELEMED,
Lithuania). Respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function tests were evaluated using a digital spirometer(Pony FX,
COSMED, Italy). The intervention consisted of performing the curl-up exercise. Results: In the abdominal breathing
group, diaphragmatic excursion significantly increased during both quiet and deep breathing, and maximal inspiratory
pressure(MIP) also showed significant improvement. In the thoracic breathing group, significant increases were observed
in diaphragmatic excursion and MIP during deep breathing. However, between-group comparisons revealed no significant
differences in any of the measured variables. Conclusion: The curl-up exercise effectively enhanced diaphragmatic
excursion and inspiratory muscle strength, irrespective of the breathing pattern. These findings support the inclusion of
the curl-up exercise as a beneficial intervention for improving pulmonary function. |