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

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.

Inclusion criteria

• Women aged 18-60
• Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² (obese and overweight)
• Baseline FEV0 value ≥ 80% (measured by spirometry)
• Individuals without respiratory disease (no diagnosis of asthma, COPD, etc.)
• Individuals who have not engaged in regular exercise in the past 6 months
• Individuals without orthopedic or neurological conditions that physically prevent participation in the exercise protocol
• Non-pregnant individuals
• Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study and sign the informed consent form exclusion criteria

• 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