The Effects of Rib Cage Expansion Exercise Applying Taekwondo Makki Motion on Pulmonary Functions

Abstract

Purpose : In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of rib cage expansion exercise applying Taekwondo Makki motion on pulmonary functions. Methods : We examined 30 female university students without any dysfunctions of the nervous, muscular, and cardiopulmonary systems. Pulmonary functions were tested using a digital pulmonary function measuring device (Pony FX, COSMED Inc, Italy). The experimental group performed three movements of expanding their rib cage applying Taekwondo Makki motion. The participants performed exercises twice a day, once in the morning and again in the afternoon, for 4 weeks. The control group did not perform any other exercise. Pulmonary functions were measured again after 4weeks. SPSSWIN (ver 25.0) package program was used for statistical analysis. Results : In the experimental group, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), inspiratory capacity (IC), expiratory reserve volume, vital capacity (VC), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) improved significantly after 4 weeks of exercise; the control group showed no change. The changes in FVC, FEV1, IRV, IC, VC, and MVV in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group. Conclusion : The rib cage expansion exercise applying Taekwondo Makki motion can improve pulmonary functions.