Effect of short-term practice of breathing exercises on the breathing capacity in school-age girls (Efecto de la práctica a corto plazo de ejercicios respiratorios sobre la capacidad respiratoria en niñas en edad escolar)

• Published in: Retos (Madrid) 2021-10, Vol.42, p.464-469
• Main Authors: Teixeira Costa, Hélder José, Moreira, Cristiano C. F., Gomes, Elisabete M. C., Leão, António A. I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: educación; edad escolar; chicas; ejercicios de respiración; espirometria; FVC; education; school-aged; girls; breathing exercises; spirometry; FVC
• ISSN: 1579-1726; 1988-2041
• DOI: 10.47197/retos.v42i0.81842

 Background: The breathing mechanism has existed since our birth and accompanies us throughout life. Breathing is an important function in the regulatory process of numerous body functions, its optimization can bring many health benefits. However, many children are unaware of the mechanisms of breathing, namely abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing, and in addition to this, many breathe normally through their mouths. Methods: The present study aimed to verify the influence of a short-term breathing exercise program in school-age girls breathing capacity. Fourteen female students aged between 8 and 10 years were selected, from this selection two groups were formed, the control group (CG) with 7 children and the experimental group (EG) with 7. Through a spirometric test, an assessment of breathing capacity (ABC) was carried out for both groups. The GE participated in a program of breathing exercises (BEP) lasting 15 to 20 minutes for 5 weeks. Then, the ABC was performed again for both groups. Discussion: The results demonstrate a significant increase in the values (p