Effects of Hypopressive Abdominal Training on Ventilatory Capacity and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Maria del Carmen Herena-Funes,
Caroline Correia de Alencar,
Dara María Velázquez-Torres,
Elisenda Marrero García,
Yolanda Castellote-Caballero,
Felipe León-Morillas,
Aday Infante-Guedes,
David Cruz-Díaz
Affiliations
Maria del Carmen Herena-Funes
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Caroline Correia de Alencar
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Dara María Velázquez-Torres
Grupo ICOT Arnao (Gran Canaria), 35200 Telde, Spain
Elisenda Marrero García
Grupo ICOT Vecindario (Gran Canaria), 35110 Vecindario, Spain
Yolanda Castellote-Caballero
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Felipe León-Morillas
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Therapy Occupational, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
Aday Infante-Guedes
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Atlántico Medio, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
David Cruz-Díaz
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Pelvic floor dysfunctions, associated with alterations in respiratory mechanics and, consequently, quality of life, are the cause of the most frequent gynecological problems. Pelvic floor muscle training emerges as a first-line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of an 8-week supervised training program of hypopressive exercises on the pelvic floor and its impact on improving the ventilatory mechanics and quality of life in women. Analysis of the spirometric parameters showed a significant main Group × Time effect for three parameters: the ratio of FEV1/FVC (p = 0.030), the forced expiratory flow at 75% of the expired vital capacity (p p = 0.005). No statistical significance was found regarding the SF-12 questionnaire components; only differences were found over time in the physical role (p = 0.023), bodily pain (p = 0.001), and vitality (p p = 0.010). After an 8-week intervention of hypopressive exercises, an improvement in the ventilatory and pulmonary capacities can be observed.