Correlation between core strength and breath holdingtime in normal young adults

The diaphragmatic movements cause continuous changes in the intraabdominal pressure. Whereas, static contraction of the diaphragm, breath holding, maintains the intra abdominal pressure which helps in stabilisation of the vertebral column. The contraction the abdominal core muscles, namely the transversus abdominis, the obliques both internal and external, have shown contribution to the rise in intraabdominal pressure. Is it possible that there exists a correlation between the breath holding time and the core strength, thereby making it evident that adequate strength of abdominal core may be necessary to increase the breath holding time?

Sixty young healthy adults were taken in the study. The breath holding time was measured using a stop watch. Three trials were done and the highest breath holding time was recorded. The core strength was measured using aneroid sphygmomanometer. The fall in mercury was measured. The values of the maximum breath holding time, and the core strength were compared.

There was significant correlation between the breath holding time and the core strength. The mean age of the subjects was 20.63±1.9. The mean maximum breath holding time was 44.6±14.86 seconds. And 3±2.4 mmHg, was the mean core strength (r=0.351).

It was concluded that core strength training should accompany activities that require good breath holding time. Hence, better the core strength more efficient is the functioning of the diaphragm.