Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises on Pulmonary Functions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Omar, Mohamed Ahmed; Hamed Badr, Nagwa Mohamed; Aboelmagd Mohamed, Fatma; Ali  Ismail, ali Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ijma.2025.340820.2074

	Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises on Pulmonary Functions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
International Journal of Medical Arts
Article 11, Volume 7, Issue 3, March 2025, Page 5485-5493 PDF (1.61 MB)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/ijma.2025.340820.2074
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Authors
Mohamed Ahmed Omar¹; Nagwa Mohamed Hamed Badr²; Fatma Aboelmagd Mohamed²^{, 3}; ali Mohamed Ali Ismail ²
¹Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular, Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
²Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular, Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
³Faculty of Physical Therapy, Sinai University, Ismailia, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary function tests [PFTs] are noninvasive tests that examine the functionality of the lungs and provide a precise picture of the respiratory system's efficiency. Core stability [CS] is the capability of transferring forces from the upper to lower extremities and strengthening the lumbopelvic complex while keeping the spine in neutral alignment. Aim of work: This study investigated the impact of core stabilizing exercises on pulmonary functions in healthy adults aged 18–60 years. Methods: Seven databases were screened depending on an earlier published protocol. Forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume [FEV₁], FEV₁/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR], and maximum oxygen volume [VO₂max] outcomes have been extracted from seven studies and synthesized qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: From seven studies, two studies revealed a non-significant impact of CS exercise on VO₂max but with considerable heterogeneity; two studies demonstrated a significant effect on PEFR with no heterogeneity; six studies showed a significant impact of CS exercise on FVC but with considerable heterogeneity; four studies demonstrated a significant impact of CS exercise on FEV₁, with no heterogeneity, three studies demonstrated significant efficacy of CS exercises on FEV₁/FVC. Conclusion: Core stability exercises have a significant impact on FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, and PEFR, with no significant effect on VO₂max.
Keywords
Core Stability Exercises; Pulmonary Functions; FVC; FEV1; FEV1/FVC ratio; PEFR; VO2max


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