RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRUNK MUSCLE ENDURANCE, PULMONARY FUNCTION, AND RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Purpose: Trunk muscles are acrive in the forceful expiration, and trunk this study aimed to examine the relationship between pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and trunk muscle endurance. Methods: The study was conducted with 60 volunteer and healthy individuals whose ages varied between 20 and 36 years. Pulmonary function and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP) were measured using a desktop spirometer. Trunk muscle endurance of the subjects was evaluated using the prone bridge, side bridge, flexor endurance, and Sorensen tests. Results: A positive significant relationship was observed between the percentage of forced vital capacity (%FVC) and prone bridge (r=0.395, p=0.002), flexor endurance (r=0.256, p=0.049), and Sorensen (r=0.255, p=0.049) tests. Likewise, a positivesignificant correlation was found between the percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV 1) and prone bridge (r=0.408, p=0.001), flexor endurance (r=0.358, p=0.005), and side bridge (r=0.277, p=0.032) tests. The results revealed a positive relationship between MIP and prone bridge (r=0.376, p=0.003) and side bridge tests (r=0.470, p<0.001). Likewise, there was a positive correlation between MEP and prone bridge test (r=0.401, p=0.004) and side bridge test (r=0.365 p=0.002). Conclusion: Pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength are associated with the endurance of the trunk muscles, which ensure core stability. Trunk muscle endurance exercises may have a positive influence on respiratory function.