Respiratory muscle strength and thoracoabdominal mobility in sedentary elderly, adults and players of adapted volleyball: a pilot study

Abstract

A number of modifications accompany the aging process, including changes in the respiratory system. However, regular physical activity may be an effective way to prevent these alterations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the thoracoabdominal mobility and respiratory muscle strength, in sedentary individuals and in those who participate in adapted volleyball. Subjects aged 50 and 80 years old that were participating in adapted volleyball for at least one year, and sedentary ones who neither smoked nor presented pulmonary, cardiovascular or musculoskeletal diseases were evaluated for thoracoabdominal mobility by cirtometry at the axillary (CAx), xiphoid (CX) and abdominal (CAb) levels. They were also assessed for respiratory muscle strength by measuring their maximal respiratory pressures (MIP and MEP). The active group had greater values of cirtometry compared to the sedentary group (56.4% higher in CAx, 83.4% in Cx and 63.5% in CAb) and higher values of MEP (41.3% higher in absolute MEP and 39.5% of MEP in predicted %). The MIP (cmH2O and predicted %) did not differ between groups. Participation in adapted volleyball may have contributed to maintained thoracicoabdominal mobility and expiratory muscle strength in these elderly and adults.

Keywords

• Respiratory Mechanics
• Aging, Breath Tests
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Volleyball