Effect of a Modified Respiratory Rehabilitation Program on Exercise-Induced Forced Expiratory Volume for 1 second Decline in Long-Distance Runners with Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of a 5-week Modified Respiratory Rehabilitation Program compared to standard aerobic exercise in improving lung function and exercise tolerance in long-distance runners with Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm. The study targets 146 participants aged 18-45 years who are actively training long-distance runners experiencing at least 10 percent decline in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second after exercise challenge. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group receiving Modified Respiratory Rehabilitation, including High-Intensity Interval Respiratory Training, breathing pattern optimization, and sport-specific running protocols, or the control group receiving standard aerobic exercise training. Both groups will undergo supervised 5-week programs conducted by qualified physiotherapists. The primary outcome is the post-exercise FEV1 decline percentage. Secondary outcomes include inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, exercise tolerance measured by VO2 Max, and health-related quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after 5 weeks of intervention. The study aims to provide evidence for non-pharmacological management of Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm in competitive athletes, offering an alternative approach that aligns with anti-doping regulations and holistic training preferences. This research addresses a significant gap in respiratory rehabilitation applications for athletes with exercise-induced airway narrowing and may inform clinical guidelines for this population.