The Effect of Respiratory Exercises Integrated into Pulmonary Function in Patients with Lumbar Algo-Functional Syndrome

lumbar algo-functional syndrome associated with chronic low back pain is commonly linked to functional disability, altered postural control, and impaired trunk stability. Increasing evidence suggests that respiratory dysfunction and reduced diaphragmatic effi-ciency may contribute to these impairments; however, data regarding the specific impact of respiratory exercise programs on pulmonary function in this population remain lim-ited. Objective: this pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured respiratory ex-ercise program combined with conventional kinesiotherapy on pulmonary function in pa-tients with lumbar algo-functional syndrome, as well as its effects on pain intensity, lumbar mobility, and functional disability. Nineteen female patients (mean age 45.5 ± 14.8 years) diagnosed with chronic lumbar algo-functional syndrome participated in a six-week intervention (18 sessions) consisting of individualized conventional kinesiother-apy integrated with a progressive respiratory exercise program. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry (BIOPAC system), measuring tidal volume (TV), inspiratory and expiratory reserve volumes (IRV, ERV), inspiratory and expiratory capacities (IC, EC), functional residual capacity (FRC), total lung capacity (TLC), and measured and predicted vital capacity (VC). Clinical-functional outcomes included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Schober test. Statistical analysis was per-formed using paired Student’s t-tests, effect size estimation (Cohen’s d), and Pearson cor-relation coefficients. Significant improvements in pulmonary function were observed, with a marked increase in tidal volume (+48.7%, p = 0.007) and expiratory capacity (+37.7%, p = 0.002), accompanied by a compensatory decrease in inspiratory reserve volume (−26.2%, p = 0.001). In parallel, clinically relevant improvements were recorded, including a 71% re-duction in pain intensity (VAS, p < 0.0001), an 11.9% increase in lumbar mobility (Schober test, p < 0.0001), and a 41.7% reduction in functional disability (ODI, p < 0.0001). Strong correlations were identified between key pulmonary parameters, particularly between to-tal lung capacity and vital capacity (r = 0.97, p < 0.001). The integration of respiratory exercises into conventional kinesiotherapy produced significant improve-ments in pulmonary function and clinical outcomes in patients with lumbar algo-functional syndrome. These findings support the inclusion of respiratory assessment and training in rehabilitation programs for chronic low back pain. Further randomized con-trolled trials with larger samples are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.