Effect of Abdominal Muscle Exercise on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Normal Healthy Female Individuals

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Expiration is a passive process and achieved through the elastic recoil of the lung. During forceful expiration, abdominal muscles are used. They may get weak due to nerve involvement, disuse atrophy, stretch weakness due to parity, diastasis recti etc. In females, Pregnancy and post-natal muscle weakness, successive pregnancies are factors that compromise abdominal muscle strength and endurance. It has been evaluated that person with partial or complete weakness of abdominal muscles is unable to cough and produce forced expiration effectively which affects in clearing secretions from the lungs. Adequate clearance of airway is an essential component. Peak expiratory flow rate is one of the important parameters in pulmonary function testing that evaluate cough strength. Abdominal muscle strengthening exercise is safe and beneficial for any normal individual. Which can improve peak expiratory flow rate which improves quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interventional study with Purposive sampling was done. Females aged between 18 to 40 years and having Fair abdominal muscle endurance (ACSM Abdominal curl up test) were taken. Individual having Recent abdominal surgeries, undergoing any exercise program, , Smokers ,COPD, angina, spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury ,Hernia, back pain, Diastasis recti, Pregnant females were excluded. Total there was 4 Weeks of abdominal muscle exercise program given. Before and after exercise program PEFR and abdominal endurance was checked. RESULTS: Result showed significant improvement of PEFR and abdominal endurance in females. CONCLUSION: Abdominal muscles exercise may improve pulmonary function performance. Key words: Peak expiatory flow rate, abdominal muscle exercise.