Effect of core strengthening on cardiovascular fitness and flexibility in obese individuals: experimental study

ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity is associated with various physiological changes which decrease the cardiovascular fitness and flexibility and slows person activity. Core muscles strengthening improve respiratory efficiency and activity of the diaphragm. Hence this study aimed to examine effect of core strengthening on cardiovascular fitness and flexibility in obese individuals. Methods: Experimental study of 6 weeks was carried out among 16 people who were selected by purposive sampling there was 1 drop out. Subjects between 18-25 years, male & female with BMI ?25 kg/m2-35 kg/m2 were selected. Pre reading were taken by measuring Queen's college step test, Modified sit and reach test, Shoulder and arm flexibility test which were recorded at week 1st, week 3rd and of the same at 6th week. Core strengthening exercise were given targeting 5 regions upper & middle abs, oblique, transverses, lower abs were progressed every 2 weeks by increasing repetition and difficulty level e.g., unstable surface (Swiss ball). Results: A significant improvement was found in readings of VO2max (Queen's College step test), modified sit and reach test, shoulder & wrist flexibility test (p<0.0001). Conclusions: The study showed positive result with (p<0.05) which suggests that core strengthening improves cardiovascular fitness and flexibility in obese individuals.