Effect of Pilates vs. Yoga on Respiratory Muscle Strength in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
TL;DR
Both Pilates and Yoga were effective in improving respiratory muscle strength and other clinical outcomes in COPD, with Yoga showing a greater effect on inspiratory muscle strength.
Abstract
Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is commonly associated with respiratory muscle weakness, dyspnoea, and reduced exercise capacity. Pilates and Yoga may help improve respiratory muscle function through controlled breathing and exercise. Objective: To compare the effects of Pilates and Yoga on respiratory muscle strength in patients with mild to moderate COPD. Materials Required: Digital handheld respiratory pressure meter, spirometry, Six-Minute Walk Test, Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnoea Scale, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Methods: Sixty clinically stable patients aged 40–55 years were equally divided into Pilates and Yoga groups. Both groups received supervised 45-minute sessions three times per week for eight weeks. MIP and MEP were assessed as primary outcomes, along with FVC, FEV₁, 6MWD, mMRC, VAS, and CAT scores. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in MIP and MEP (p<0.001). Yoga showed significantly greater improvement in MIP (p=0.011), while no significant between-group difference was observed for MEP or secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Both Pilates and Yoga were effective in improving respiratory muscle strength and other clinical outcomes in COPD, with Yoga showing a greater effect on inspiratory muscle strength.