Effect of Abdominal Muscle Exercises on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Post-Menopausal Women

Abstract

Purpose of the study: To find the effect of abdominal muscle exercises on peak expiratory flow rate in post-menopausal women. Material and Methods: 60 subjects post menopause between the age group of 45-55 years, were selected for the study.They were bounded in single group. The pre outcome measure was peak expiratory flow rate, waist hip ratio and abdominal strength .peak expiratory flow rate measured by peak expiratory flow rate device, waist hip ratio measured by inch tape and abdominal muscle strength measured by grades of abdominal muscle. The specific exercise protocol was given to the subjects which was included abdominal muscle exercises (graded abdominal muscle exercises).post treatment outcome measure were performed for peak expiratory flow rate, waist hip ratio and abdominal muscle strength. Statistical analysis was done using paired' test. Results: In study pre-intervention peak expiratory flow rate was 290±58.251 and post-intervention peak expiratory flow rate was 307±60.914.Peak expiratory flow rate statistically extremely significant difference and increasing peak expiratory rate post intervention with (p<0.0001) with t=5.633 with 59 degree of freedom. In the study the pre intervention values of waist hip ratio was 38.683±3.000 and post intervention waist hip ratio was 37.566±2.708.in waist hip ratio statistically extremely significant difference and reducing waist hip ratio post intervention with(p<0.0001) with t=6.996 with 59 degree freedom. In the study the pre intervention values of abdominal muscle strength (MMT or grades of abdominal muscle) was 1.63± 0.7357 and post intervention abdominal muscle strength was 2.5± 0.7249.In abdominal muscle strength statistically extremely significant difference and increases abdominal muscle strength with (p<0,0001) with t=11.851 with 59 degree of freedom Conclusion: Thus the above study it concludes that abdominal muscle exercises had significant improved clinically and statistically on peak expiratory flow rate in post-menopausal women. So this study accepts the alternate hypothesis.