Comparative Effects of Vocal and Breathing Exercises on Respiratory Function and Trunk Stability in Women

NCT07175844 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: LithuanianSportsU-25
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to investigate whether vocal exercises or breathing exercises improve respiratory function and trunk stability in healthy adult women aged 18-65. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do vocal exercises improve respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and trunk stability? Do breathing exercises improve respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, and endurance? Researchers will compare the vocal exercises group to the breathing exercises group to determine if one intervention has a superior effect on lung function, respiratory muscle performance, and trunk stability. Participants will: Perform a 6-week program of either vocal exercises or breathing exercises, with sessions twice per week, 30 minutes each. Complete pre- and post-intervention assessments including thoracic excursion, breath-hold tests, spirometry, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) tests, and trunk stability tests using the Stabilizer pressure biofeedback device. Engage with instructional videos and guidance through a closed social media group, allowing questions and feedback to ensure correct technique.

Conditions

Healthy Subjects

Keywords

women; vocal exercises; breathing exercises; core stability; spirometry

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Forced expiratory volume (FEV₁)

  Forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) was measured in liters in one second (L/s) using the Contec Spirometer SP80B. Three trials were performed per participant, with the mean used for analysis.

  6 weeks

• Stange test

  The Stange test (breath-hold after maximal inhalation) was performed in a seated position. Before testing, participants were instructed to breathe calmly, and breath-hold duration (in seconds) was recorded using a stopwatch.

  6 weeks

• Forced vital capacity (FVC)

  Forced vital capacity (FVC) was measured in liters (L) with Contec Spirometer SP80B. Three trials were performed per participant, with the mean used for analysis.

  6 weeks

• Peak expiratory flow (PEF)

  Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured in liters per one second (L/s) using the Contec Spirometer SP80B. Three trials were performed per participant, with the mean used for analysis.

  6 weeks

• Genchi test

  The Genchi test (breath-hold after maximal exhalation) waas performed in a seated position. Before testing, participants were instructed to breathe calmly, and breath-hold duration (in seconds) was recorded using a stopwatch.

  6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)

  6 weeks

• Trunk Stability Tests

  6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

VE group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants performed six weekly sessions of 30 minutes, guided by videos focusing on diaphragmatic breathing and contemporary singing techniques. Initial exercises (weeks 1-2) included sustained "s" sounds, lip trills, humming, melodic vowel sequences, and "Ja" exercises. Weeks 3-6 included advanced solo exercises such as short and long "S", humming variations, "mum" vocalizations, rhythmic patterns ("cha-cha-cha"), melodic sequences ("Niemak 1-3"), and counting exercises. Exercises were performed standing, preferably in front of a mirror.

Other: Vocal exercises

BE group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in the breathing exercises group were given access to a 30-minute instructional video, in which a licensed physiotherapist demonstrated how to perform the exercises. Participants were instructed to complete the exercises twice per week at a time convenient for them. They could reflect on the exercises and submit questions to the physiotherapist within a closed social media group. Two weeks after the start of the intervention, participants were advised to increase the intensity of the exercises: lengthening inhalation, exhalation, and breath-holding during square breathing, and increasing the number of exhalations during "Kapalabhati" breathing from 20 to 60 per series, while respecting individual comfort and tolerance.

Other: Breathing exercises

Interventions

Vocal exercises OTHER

Participants performed six weekly sessions of 30 minutes, guided by videos focusing on diaphragmatic breathing and contemporary singing techniques. Initial exercises (weeks 1-2) included sustained "s" sounds, lip trills, humming, melodic vowel sequences, and "Ja" exercises. Weeks 3-6 included advanced solo exercises such as short and long "S", humming variations, "mum" vocalizations, rhythmic patterns ("cha-cha-cha"), melodic sequences ("Niemak 1-3"), and counting exercises. Exercises were performed standing, preferably in front of a mirror.

VE group

Breathing exercises OTHER

Participants in the breathing exercises group were given access to a 30-minute instructional video, in which a licensed physiotherapist demonstrated how to perform the exercises. Participants were instructed to complete the exercises twice per week at a time convenient for them. They could reflect on the exercises and submit questions to the physiotherapist within a closed social media group. Two weeks after the start of the intervention, participants were advised to increase the intensity of the exercises: lengthening inhalation, exhalation, and breath-holding during square breathing, and increasing the number of exhalations during "Kapalabhati" breathing from 20 to 60 per series, while respecting individual comfort and tolerance.

BE group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• female sex;
• age 18-65 years;
• no engagement in breathing exercises for at least six months;
• no engagement in vocal training for at least six months;

You may not qualify if:

• acute respiratory diseases.
• chronic respiratory diseases

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Lithuanian Sports University: lead

Study Sites (2)

Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation

Kaunas, Lithuania, LT - 44221, Lithuania

Location

Lithuanian Sports University

Kaunas, Lithuania, LT - 44221, Lithuania

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Breathing Exercises

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Mind-Body Therapies; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Exercise Movement Techniques; Physical Therapy Modalities

Study Officials

• Eirida S Kudirkienė, MSc

  Lithuanian Sports University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 2, 2025
• First Posted: September 16, 2025
• Study Start: December 10, 2024
• Primary Completion: December 12, 2024
• Study Completion: May 1, 2025
• Last Updated: September 16, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Locations

LI (2)