Effect of breathing maneuver combined with upper extremity exercise on respiratory capacity in healthy adult men

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effect of the breathing maneuver combined with dynamic motion of the upper limbs on respiratory capacity in healthy adult men. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four healthy adult men participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (n=12) or an experimental group (n=12). The subjects in the control group performed the breathing maneuver without the upper extremity exercise. The subjects in the experimental group performed upper extremity exercise with the breathing maneuver three times a week for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured using maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures. [Results] There was a significant difference in maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures before and after intervention in the experimental group and the control group. In addition, there was a significant difference in maximal expiratory pressure between groups after intervention. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest the respiration maneuver combined with upper extremity exercise could be used as a program for clinical respiration training.