The Effect of Functional Respiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Function and Physical Performance in Football Players

Football is a sport branch that requires a high degree of coordination, using motoric properties such as general endurance and coordination, as well as aerobic and anaerobic efforts. Studies argue that core strength positively affects athletic performance, reduces the risk of injury, and has an effect on the treatment of pain in the back area. Core stability is very important in terms of sports performance. Respiratory functions of all athletes, regardless of sports branches; It varies depending on physiological, functional, and psychological factors. Because disruption of respiratory muscle functions or respiratory muscle fatigue is a factor that jeopardizes the exercise performance of athletes. Numerous studies have shown that respiratory muscle training reduces respiratory muscle fatigue and sympatho-excitation during intense exercise. Previous studies focusing on the effects of respiratory muscle training have shown increased respiratory muscle strength in triathletes and marathon runners, rowers, cyclists, and divers. There are a limited number of studies investigating the effect of respiratory muscle training on football players. Our study, based on research in recent literature, aims to investigate the effects of core stabilization exercise, which includes functional respiratory muscle training, on respiratory function, aerobic capacity, trunk stabilization, and physical performance in football players.

Licensed athletes who actively engage in sports and play football will be included in the project. Volunteers included in the study will be randomly divided into two groups: study and control groups. Different methods will be used in the study for respiratory function test (PFT), measurement of respiratory muscle strength, trunk stabilization evaluation, and performance evaluation. To apply these methods, a spirometer device (according to ATS/ERS criteria with Cosmed Pony FX, Italy), portable, electronic oral pressure measurement device (with Micro Medical Micro RPM, Rochester, England), Plank and Sorenson tests will be used. A core stabilization exercise protocol including functional respiratory muscle training will be applied to the study group. The control group will only apply the same core stabilization exercise protocol as the study group.

This study aims to investigate the effects of functional respiratory muscle training and to add it to the training program of athletes according to the results. Aiming to improve the health and working dynamics of the respiratory muscles in athletes by applying functional muscle training to participants, as well as showing its effect on instant and prospective performance in athletes, is the ultimate goal to be shaped by the study findings. The study will shed light on this aspect with its functioning and method for researchers in the field. With the analysis and presentation of the data obtained from our study, the gaps in the current literature will be filled.