The effect of breathing exercises on respiratory function, anthropometric parameters, and functional exercise capacity in subjects with obesity: A scoping review

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic medical condition with a significant socioeconomic impact on health systems. Management of obesity primarily focuses on physical exercise combined with an appropriate diet. However, emerging evidence suggests that breathing exercises may serve as a complementary intervention in obesity management programs. This study aimed to summarize the available literature on the effects of breathing exercises on lung function, anthropometric parameters, and functional exercise capacity in subjects with obesity. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology. Studies in English or Persian were searched in Cochrane, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, PEDro, Magiran, MOH thesis, MOH articles, Irandoc, and SID databases. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies involving individuals with a Body Mass Index >30 kg/m2, regardless of age, gender, or race, and implementing breathing exercises in any setting, country, or follow-up duration, were included. Of the 2,077 articles identified, 19 studies were included. Seventeen studies focused on lung function, ten studies evaluated anthropometric parameters and functional exercise capacity, 14 studies were conducted on adults, and five studies evaluated children and adolescents. Fifteen studies were from Asian and European countries, two from Brazil, one from Chile, and one from Africa. Various breathing exercises were used, with durations ranging from 3 days to 12 weeks. In 9 of 17 studies, breathing exercises improved lung function. Improvements in anthropometric parameters and functional exercise capacity were observed in 7 of 10 studies. Our findings indicate that breathing exercises can improve lung function, anthropometric parameters, and functional exercise capacity in subjects with obesity.