Studies in Sport Medicine

The Effect of Combined Corrective and Breathing Exercises on Pulmonary Function in Older Women with Upper Crossed Syndrome

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

ZEYNAB AMINI 1
mohamadhosein alizade 2
Mohammad Karimizadeh Ardakani 2
parisa pournemati 3

1 Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, Kish International Campus, Iran

2 Department of Sports Injury and Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22089/smj.2026.19860.1870
Abstract
Upper crossed syndrome is a pattern of muscular imbalance associated with changes in head, shoulder, and spinal alignment and may affect pulmonary function by altering respiratory mechanics. Objective: This study investigated the effect of combined corrective and breathing exercises on pulmonary function in older women with upper crossed syndrome. Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a control group. Thirty women aged 60–75 years with upper crossed syndrome voluntarily participated through purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The experimental group participated in an eight-week combined corrective and breathing exercise program, whereas the control group received no intervention or exercise program. Pulmonary function was assessed before and after eight weeks using a spirometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and between-group differences were examined using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for pretest values. Results: After controlling for pretest values, significant between-group differences were observed in FVC (p < 0.001), FEV1 (p < 0.001), FEV1/FVC (p = 0.008), MVV (p < 0.001), SVC (p < 0.001), and FIVC (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Eight weeks of combined corrective and breathing exercises were associated with significant improvements in pulmonary function indices in this population and may serve as an exercise-based approach to improve pulmonary function.

Keywords

Respiratory exercise
Corrective exercises
Pulmonary function
Upper Crossed Syndrome
Older adults
Subjects
Studies in Sport Medicine

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 October 2026

  • Receive Date 14 September 2026
  • Revise Date 04 October 2026
  • Accept Date 17 October 2026

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