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Abdominal Air-Pressure Resistance Versus Abdominal Weight Training for Improving Diaphragm Function in Healthy Young Adults
Sponsor: University of Sharjah
Summary
This study aims to compare the effects of abdominal air pressure resistance training, abdominal weight training, and breathing exercises on diaphragmatic strength, endurance, and physiological responses in young healthy adults. Forty-two healthy adults aged 18-35 years will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: abdominal air pressure resistance training, abdominal weight training, or breathing exercises. Participants will complete supervised training sessions three times per week for eight weeks, with standardized breathing cadence, training volume, and therapist contact time across groups. This trial will provide the first direct comparison of a programmable pneumatic abdominal loading method with traditional abdominal weight loading and standard breathing exercises in healthy young adults. The findings will help determine the relative effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of these interventions for enhancing diaphragmatic function. The results may contribute to the development of evidence-based respiratory muscle training strategies for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance enhancement.
Official title: Abdominal Air-Pressure Resistance Versus Abdominal Weight Training for Improving Diaphragm Function in Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 35 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
42
Start Date
2026-08-30
Completion Date
2026-11-30
Last Updated
2026-10-13
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Abdominal Air Pressure Resistance Training
In the AAPR group, resisted diaphragmatic breathing will be performed using a pneumatic abdominal garment or cuff capable of delivering quantifiable air pressure. The abdominal binder was securely fitted around the participant's waist, while the manual sphygmomanometer cuff was positioned vertically over the epigastric region within the abdominal binder. The cuff was inflated to provide external resistance during diaphragmatic breathing. Care was taken to ensure that the cuff and binder did not exert excessive compression over the lower thoracic region or diaphragm, thereby avoiding mechanical restriction of diaphragmatic excursion and allowing participants to maintain their normal, unrestricted diaphragmatic breathing pattern throughout the intervention. Training will begin at a pressure eliciting moderate perceived breathing effort (Borg RPE) or within a predefined range of 5-10 cmH₂O. Pressure will be increased based on Borg exertion level of 5-7.
Abdominal Weight Training (AWT)
In the AWT group, diaphragmatic breathing will be performed with an external load applied to the anterior abdominal wall using a standardized sandbag or weight pack, with participants positioned in supine crook-lying. Load prescription will be implemented using a pre-specified method, which included either a fixed initial load of 2-5 kg with weekly increments of 0.5-1 kg as tolerated, an initial load corresponding to 3-5% of body mass with weekly progression, or load titration based on perceived exertion targeting a Borg RPE of 4-5 during training sets. Training volume, set duration, and rest intervals will be matched to those of the AAPR group. For each session, the load applied, perceived exertion, and symptom responses will be documented.
Breathing Exercise Control (BE)
In the BE control group, standardized diaphragmatic breathing combined with paced slow deep breathing will be performed without the application of external resistance. Training duration, breathing cadence, number of sets, and rest intervals will be matched to those used in the loaded intervention groups. Perceived exertion and symptom responses will be documented during each session.
Locations (1)
University of Sharjah
Sharjah city, United Arab Emirates