Effects Of Different Abdominal Exercises On Abdominal Strength And Endurance

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study determined the effects of a new modality of core stabilisation exercises based on diaphragmatic breathing on abdominal fitness. Subjects: 60 physically inactive, healthy males and females were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Methods: The experimental group combined diaphragmatic breathing exercises with global stretching postures and common abdominal exercises, and the control group performed only common abdominal exercises both for 20 minutes 4 times weekly for 4 weeks. Abdominal fitness (measured with the American College of Sports Medicine curl-up [cadence] test, Double leg lowering test (DLLT) and Isometric Trunk flexor endurance test (ITFET). Results: Significant changes in curl-up (cadence) test, Double leg lowering test and Isometric trunk flexor endurance test were recorded in the experimental group at the post training assessment, whereas in the control group, no significant differences over baseline were observed in Isometric trunk flexor endurance test and ACSM curls up test. Conclusion: Compared with traditional abdominal exercises, core stabilisation exercises based on breathing and global stretching postures are more effective in improving abdominal fitness. KEYWORDS: Abdominal strength, Abdominal endurance, Diaphragmatic breathing