[Effect of a muscle stretching program using the Global Postural Reeducation method on respiratory muscle strength and thoracoabdominal mobility of sedentary young males].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect that respiratory muscle stretching using the global postural reeducation (GPR) method has on respiratory muscle strength, thoracic expansion and abdominal mobility in sedentary young males. METHODS This was a randomized study involving 20 sedentary volunteers, aged 22.7 +/- 2.5 years, divided into two groups of 10: a control group, composed of subjects not performing any exercises, and a group of subjects submitted to the GPR method. The protocol consisted of a program to stretch the respiratory muscles with participants in the 'open-arm, open hip joint angle' position, which was regularly performed twice a week for 8 weeks, totaling 16 sessions. The two groups were submitted to measurements of maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, thoracic expansion and abdominal mobility, prior to and after the intervention period. RESULTS The initial and final values for maximal respiratory pressures, thoracic expansion and abdominal mobility for the control group showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). However, for the GPR group, all values increased after the intervention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Respiratory muscle stretching using the GPR method was efficient in promoting an increase in maximal respiratory pressures, thoracic expansion and abdominal mobility, suggesting that it could be used as a physiotherapy resource to develop respiratory muscle strength, thoracic expansion and abdominal mobility.