Effect of Kegel Exercise on Vital Capacity According to the Position: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the immediate effect of Kegel exercise on the vital capacity according to the position. Methods: Seventeen subjects participated in the study (male=7, female=10). The subjects performed Kegel exercise in two positions: sitting and hooklying. The order of exercise was conducted in a random order selected by the subjects to exclude the learning effect. The maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) was measured using a spirometer. The vital capacity was measured according to the manual in the sitting position before the experiment. After each exercise, the vital capacity was also measured in the same way. One way repeated measures analysis of the variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the vital capacity according to the position, and a Bonferroni test was used for post hoc analysis. Results: Significant differences in vital capacity were observed after exercise than before exercise (p 0.05). Conclusion: This study was a preliminary study to determine the vital capacity according to the Kegel exercise and two positions. Never theless, further study with several revisions of the number of subjects, duration, and time for intervention will be needed.