The effects of basic swimming exercises on lung volume and capacities in asthma patients

Asthma is a chronic disease that negatively affects individuals' quality of life, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of basic swimming exercises on lung volumes and capacities in asthma patients and to evaluate the contribution of swimming to their respiratory functions. The study included ten adult female volunteers with asthma, with a mean age of 34 years, mean height of 164 cm, and mean body weight of 65 kg. Participants performed free swimming exercises for one hour per day, two days per week, over a period of three months. Lung volumes and capacities were measured using a Spirolab 3 device. The measured parameters included Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC ratio, Forced Expiratory Flow between 25% and 75% of the Vital Capacity (FEF25–75%), FEF25%, FEF50%, and FEF75%. In addition, a 6-minute walk test and a 30-second sit-to-stand test were administered. After completing the three-month basic swimming exercise program, the same tests were administered as post-tests. The pre-test and post-test data were compared and analyzed using the SPSS 25 software package. The results indicated that basic swimming exercises had positive effects on the lung volumes and capacities of asthma patients. Significant differences were observed in some respiratory function test variables, namely FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, and FEF25–75 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, basic swimming exercises were found to improve lung volumes and capacities and to contribute positively to the quality of life of individuals with asthma. Therefore, swimming exercises are recommended to enhance the ventilatory values and respiratory functions of asthma patients.