The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to compare the effects of aerobic exercise training and resistance exercise training on ventilatory function in quarry workers. It will also evaluate their effects on functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does aerobic exercise training improve ventilatory function more effectively than resistance exercise training? How do aerobic and resistance exercise training affect functional capacity and health-related quality of life in quarry workers? Researchers will compare aerobic exercise training and resistance exercise training with a control group receiving routine treatment and breathing exercises to determine which intervention is more effective in improving ventilatory function, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to one of three groups: an aerobic exercise training group, a resistance exercise training group, or a control group. Receive the assigned intervention three times per week for eight consecutive weeks. Undergo ventilatory function assessment using spirometry. Complete assessments of functional capacity and health-related quality of life before and after the intervention.
Quarry workers are routinely exposed to respirable dust, which increases the risk of impaired ventilatory function and reduced physical performance. Long-term occupational dust exposure has been associated with respiratory symptoms, decreased pulmonary function, and poorer health-related quality of life. Exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation is widely recommended to improve respiratory function and physical capacity; however, limited evidence is available regarding the comparative effectiveness of aerobic versus resistance exercise training in quarry workers. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of aerobic exercise training and resistance exercise training on ventilatory function in quarry workers. Secondary outcomes include functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Seventy-five clinically stable male quarry workers aged 30-40 years will be randomly allocated into three equal groups: an aerobic exercise training group, a resistance exercise training group, and a control group. Participants in the aerobic and resistance exercise groups will receive their assigned exercise program in addition to routine medical treatment and breathing exercise training. The control group will receive routine medical treatment and breathing exercise training only. All interventions will be performed three times per week for eight consecutive weeks. Ventilatory function will be assessed using spirometry, including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV). Functional capacity will be evaluated using the Harvard Step Test, while health-related quality of life will be assessed using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Outcome measures will be collected at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. The findings of this study are expected to identify the most effective exercise modality for improving ventilatory function, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life among quarry workers, thereby providing evidence to optimize pulmonary rehabilitation programs for this occupational population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
75
participants will receive aerobic exercise training in addition to routine medical treatment and breathing exercise training.
participants will receive resistance exercise training in addition to routine medical treatment and breathing exercise training.
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Deraya University
Minya, Minya Governorate, Egypt
RECRUITINGForced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1)
Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1) will be assessed using spirometry. FEV1 is the volume of air forcefully exhaled during the first second of a forced expiratory maneuver and is expressed in liters (L). Higher values indicate better airway function and ventilatory performance.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period (post-intervention).
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) will be assessed using spirometry. FVC is the maximum volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a full inspiration and is expressed in liters (L). Higher values indicate better ventilatory function.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period (post-intervention).
Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second to Forced Vital Capacity Ratio (FEV1/FVC)
The FEV1/FVC ratio will be assessed using spirometry and expressed as a percentage (%). This parameter reflects the proportion of the forced vital capacity exhaled during the first second of expiration and is commonly used to evaluate airflow limitation. Higher values generally indicate better ventilatory function.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period (post-intervention).
Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75% of Forced Vital Capacity (FEF25-75%)
Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75% of Forced Vital Capacity (FEF25-75%) will be assessed using spirometry. FEF25-75% represents the average expiratory flow during the middle half of the forced vital capacity maneuver and is expressed in liters per second (L/s). It is considered a sensitive indicator of small airway function. Higher values indicate better small airway function and ventilatory performance.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period (post-intervention)
Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)
Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) will be assessed using spirometry. MVV is the maximum volume of air inhaled and exhaled voluntarily within one minute and is expressed in liters per minute (L/min). Higher values indicate better respiratory muscle endurance and ventilatory capacity.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period (post-intervention).
Health-Related Quality of Life
Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The SGRQ consists of 50 items grouped into three domains: Symptoms, Activity, and Impacts. Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating poorer health-related quality of life. Lower scores represent better outcomes
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period (post-intervention).
Functional Capacity
Functional capacity will be assessed using the Harvard Step Test. The Brouha Index (BI) will be calculated based on exercise duration and recovery heart rate. Higher scores indicate better functional capacity
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period (post-intervention)
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