The impact of hypopressive training on lung ventilation capacity and quality of life of women of reproductive age with pelvic floor dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common pathology among women, which significantly worsens their quality of life. The close biomechanical and pathogenetic relationship between the pelvic and thoracic diaphragms determines the feasibility of assessing the ventilatory capacity of the lungs when using rehabilitation programs. OBJECTIVE. To investigate the dynamics of ventilatory function indicators and the level of health-related quality of life in women of reproductive age with pelvic floor dysfunction under the influence of courses of hypopressive abdominal training. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study involved 54 women of reproductive age (18–45 years) with PFD, who were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the main (MG, n = 27) and control (CG, n = 27) groups. The participants of the MG underwent a 12-week hypopressive training program (2 times a week for 30 minutes). Ventilation capacity was assessed by forced spirometry, and quality of life was assessed using the validated SF-12 questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using two-factor ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS. Under the influence of a 12-week course of hypopressive exercises in the MG, a statistically significant increase in forced vital capacity (FVC) by 15.54%, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) by 15.74%, and peak expiratory volume (PEV) by 12.32%. A statistically significant intergroup difference (interaction «Group x Time») was established in terms of the ratio of FEV1/FVC (p < 0.001), instantaneous volumetric flow rate at 75% of FVC (MEV75%, increase in MG by 14.17%, p = 0.018) and mean volumetric flow rate (MEV25–75%, increase in MG by 14.93%, p = 0.019). According to the SF-12 questionnaire, positive changes were found in the scales of physical and role functioning, bodily pain, vitality and the final mental health index (< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. A 12-week hypopressive exercise program effectively improves ventilatory capacity, optimizes respiratory mechanics and patency of small and medium airways by restoring thoracic and pelvic diaphragm synergy, and also contributes to improving quality of life indicators in patients with PFD.