Effects of core stabilization exercises on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity in adolescents with substance use disorder: Randomized controlled trial

Background Adolescent substance abuse is a serious and growing problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of core stabilization exercises on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity in adolescents with substance use disorder (SUD). Methods This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. A total of 49 adolescent male patients with SUD were randomly assigned to either the exercise group (n = 25; mean age 16.6 years) or the control group (n = 24; mean age 16.7 years), for 6 weeks. All participants underwent a medical and behavioral therapy program 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The exercise group received five core stabilization exercises combined with deep breathing as a group training for 45 to 60 minutes, twice a week for 6 weeks, and the control group received recreational activities in addition to the usual care for 45 to 60 minutes, twice a week for 6 weeks. Spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and the 6-minute walk test were performed and measured at baseline and after training. Results There were significant improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure (24.16 cm H2O; P < 0.0001), maximal expiratory pressure (30.28 cm H2O; P < 0.0001), forced vital capacity (5.80% predicted, P < 0.0001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (7.34% predicted; P = 0.002), peak expiratory flow (13.32% predicted; P = 0.0003), forced expiratory flow 25%-75% (11.84% predicted; P = 0.027), and the 6-minute walking distance (65.84 m; P < 0.0001) in the exercise group compared with the control group. Conclusions Core stabilization exercise can improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity in adolescents with SUD.