Effects of elastic band resistance exercises with breathing techniques on pulmonary function in female seniors

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of elastic-band resistance exercises combined with breathing techniques on pulmonary function in female seniors. Forty-five female seniors 65 years or older were recruited from a welfare center and assigned to an experimental (n=23) or control (n=22) group. The experimental group used an elastic band with a resistance exercises while concurrently using specific breathing techniques. The control group conducted the same resistance tasks without the respiration exercises. Respiratory function data were collected before and after the 6-week intervention. The experimental group showed a significant increase in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume 1 sec (FEV(1)), and in FEV(1) as a percentage of FVC. In addition, there were significant differences in the FVC and FEV(1) levels between groups. The results show that resistance accompanied by breathing techniques positively affects senior respiratory function when an elastic band is used for exercise.