Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of 8-week strength training program on respiratory parameters. Fifteen healthy male individuals with a sedentary lifestyle with an average age of 20,27 ± 1,67 years and a mean height of 176,20 ± 6,56 cm and a weight of 67,34 ± 8,71 kg voluntarily participated in the study. A strength training program with 70-80% strain intensity, including lower and upper extremities, was applied to the participants for 1 hour 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Before and after the training program, spirometry and respiratory function tests including FVC, FEV1, and PEF values were applied to the participants. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine the difference between the pre-test and post-test measurements of the groups. According to the findings, there was a significant increase in PEF and FEV1 values in favor of the post-test, but this increase was not found to be significant, although there was a statistical increase in FVC values in favor of the post-test. As a result, it has been observed that the 8-week strength training program applied to sedentary individuals has a positive effect on respiratory parameters. It can be said that strength training is effective in improving respiratory functions.