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Healthy SubjectsVO vs BENCT07175844

Comparative Effects of Vocal and Breathing Exercises on Respiratory Function and Trunk Stability in Women

A study testing Vocal exercises and Breathing exercises in people with Healthy Subjects, run by Lithuanian Sports University at 2 sites in Lithuania.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to investigate whether vocal exercises or breathing exercises improve respiratory function and trunk stability in healthy adult women aged 18-65. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Healthy Subjects
What is being tested?
Vocal exercises and Breathing exercises
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
50 participants
Where
2 sitesLithuania
Study dates
10 Dec 2024to 1 May 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • female sex;
  • age 18-65 years;
  • no engagement in breathing exercises for at least six months;
  • no engagement in vocal training for at least six months;

Who cannot join

  • acute respiratory diseases.
  • chronic respiratory diseases

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country.

Lithuania2 sites
  • Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation

    Kaunas, Lithuania, LT - 44221

  • Lithuanian Sports University

    Kaunas, Lithuania, LT - 44221

Other trials in Lithuania

About this study

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to investigate whether vocal exercises or breathing exercises improve respiratory function and trunk stability in healthy adult women aged 18-65. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Do vocal exercises improve respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and trunk stability? Do breathing exercises improve respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, and endurance? Researchers will compare the vocal exercises group to the breathing exercises group to determine if one intervention has a superior effect on lung function, respiratory muscle performance, and trunk stability.

Read more

Participants will:

Perform a 6-week program of either vocal exercises or breathing exercises, with sessions twice per week, 30 minutes each.

Complete pre- and post-intervention assessments including thoracic excursion, breath-hold tests, spirometry, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) tests, and trunk stability tests using the Stabilizer pressure biofeedback device.

Engage with instructional videos and guidance through a closed social media group, allowing questions and feedback to ensure correct technique.

Read the detailed description

Study Design This study was a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of vocal exercises versus breathing exercises on respiratory function and trunk stability in adult women. Ethical approval was obtained from the [name of ethics committee] (Approval No.: 2024 12 09 MNL-KIN (M)-2024-726). All participants provided written informed consent prior to enrollment, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Participants Fifty healthy women aged 18-65 years were recruited via an online questionnaire distributed on social media. Inclusion criteria were female sex, age 18-65 years, no prior engagement in structured breathing or vocal training in the previous six months, and absence of acute or chronic respiratory infection. Exclusion criteria included inability to attend in-person assessments or failure to meet age or health criteria. Baseline demographic characteristics (age, weight, height, BMI) were comparable between groups.

Randomization and Allocation Eligible participants (n = 50) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the Vocal Exercises Group (VE, n = 25) or the Breathing Exercises Group (BE, n = 25) using a computer-generated random sequence. Both interventions lasted six weeks, with participants completing sessions twice per week for 30 minutes each.

Intervention

Breathing Exercises Group

Participants were provided access to a 30-minute instructional video demonstrating the following exercises:

Conscious Breathing: Seated observation of chest and abdominal wall movement.

Humming Bee (Bhramari Pranayama): Exhalation with a humming sound and ears gently occluded.

Kapalabhati: Rapid forceful exhalations with passive inhalations; intensity increased over time.

Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana): Cycles of inhalation and exhalation through alternate nostrils.

Square Breathing (4x4x4x4): Seated breathing with equal durations of inhalation, breath-hold, exhalation, and breath-hold.

Diaphragmatic Breathing: Supine breathing with lateral rib expansion.

Vocal Exercises Group

Participants received access to instructional videos emphasizing diaphragmatic breathing and contemporary singing techniques. Exercises included:

Initial Exercises (Weeks 1-2): Sustained "s" sounds, lip trills, humming, melodic vowel sequences, and short vocal phrases.

Solo Vocal Exercises (Weeks 3-6): Short and long "S" sounds, humming on single and multiple notes, "mum" vocalization sequences, "Cha-cha-cha" sequences, melodic humming, and counting exercises without inhalation.

Both groups had access to a closed social media group for guidance and questions. Intensity adjustments were recommended after two weeks based on participant tolerance.

Outcome Measures Assessments were conducted at baseline and after six weeks.

Respiratory Function

Thoracic Excursion (CE): Measured at Th3-4, Th7-8, and Th11-12 using a tape measure. CE was calculated as the difference between maximal inspiration and expiration.

Spirometry: FEV₁, FVC, and PEF were measured using a handheld wireless spirometer (Contec SP80B). Three trials were performed, and the mean value was used.

Breath-Hold Tests: Stange (after maximal inspiration) and Genchi (after maximal expiration) tests were conducted in a seated position.

Trunk Stability

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS): Three tests were used-diaphragm function, head/neck/trunk flexion, and head/neck/trunk extension. Tests were scored on a 4-point scale (1 = failed, 4 = excellent).

Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback Device: Four tests assessed trunk stability: prone, supine, bent-leg lift, and straight-leg lift. Mean pressure differences over three repetitions were calculated for each leg.

Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0. Normality was confirmed using the Shapiro-Wilk test (p > 0.05). Within-group comparisons were performed with paired-samples t-tests, and between-group differences were assessed using independent-samples t-tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Effect sizes were interpreted according to Cohen's d: 0.00-0.20 = no effect, 0.21-0.50 = small, 0.51-0.80 = medium, 0.81-1.30 = large, >1.30 = very large.

Flow of Participants Eighty-six participants were initially screened; 26 were excluded (19 due to recent training, 6 unable to attend in-person, 1 outside age range). Fifty participants were randomized and completed the six-week intervention with no attrition.

Being tested
Vocal exercises, Breathing exercises
Keywords
women, vocal exercises, breathing exercises, core stability, spirometry

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Vocal exercisesOther

    Participants performed six weekly sessions of 30 minutes, guided by videos focusing on diaphragmatic breathing and contemporary singing techniques. Initial exercises (weeks 1-2) included sustained "s" sounds, lip trills, humming, melodic vowel sequences, and "Ja" exercises. Weeks 3-6 included advanced solo exercises such as short and long "S", humming variations, "mum" vocalizations, rhythmic patterns ("cha-cha-cha"), melodic sequences ("Niemak 1-3"), and counting exercises. Exercises were performed standing, preferably in front of a mirror.

  • Breathing exercisesOther

    Participants in the breathing exercises group were given access to a 30-minute instructional video, in which a licensed physiotherapist demonstrated how to perform the exercises. Participants were instructed to complete the exercises twice per week at a time convenient for them. They could reflect on the exercises and submit questions to the physiotherapist within a closed social media group. Two weeks after the start of the intervention, participants were advised to increase the intensity of the exercises: lengthening inhalation, exhalation, and breath-holding during square breathing, and increasing the number of exhalations during "Kapalabhati" breathing from 20 to 60 per series, while respecting individual comfort and tolerance.

Study groups in NCT07175844
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
VE groupExperimentalParticipants performed six weekly sessions of 30 minutes, guided by videos focusing on diaphragmatic breathing and contemporary singing techniques. Initial exercises (weeks 1-2) included sustained "s" sounds, lip trills, humming, melodic vowel sequences, and "Ja" exercises. Weeks 3-6 included advanced solo exercises such as short and long "S", humming variations, "mum" vocalizations, rhythmic patterns ("cha-cha-cha"), melodic sequences ("Niemak 1-3"), and counting exercises. Exercises were performed standing, preferably in front of a mirror.
Receives: Other: Vocal exercises
BE groupActive comparatorParticipants in the breathing exercises group were given access to a 30-minute instructional video, in which a licensed physiotherapist demonstrated how to perform the exercises. Participants were instructed to complete the exercises twice per week at a time convenient for them. They could reflect on the exercises and submit questions to the physiotherapist within a closed social media group. Two weeks after the start of the intervention, participants were advised to increase the intensity of the exercises: lengthening inhalation, exhalation, and breath-holding during square breathing, and increasing the number of exhalations during "Kapalabhati" breathing from 20 to 60 per series, while respecting individual comfort and tolerance.
Receives: Other: Breathing exercises

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Forced expiratory volume (FEV₁)

    Forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) was measured in liters in one second (L/s) using the Contec Spirometer SP80B. Three trials were performed per participant, with the mean used for analysis.

    Measured: 6 weeks

  2. Stange test

    The Stange test (breath-hold after maximal inhalation) was performed in a seated position. Before testing, participants were instructed to breathe calmly, and breath-hold duration (in seconds) was recorded using a stopwatch.

    Measured: 6 weeks

  3. Forced vital capacity (FVC)

    Forced vital capacity (FVC) was measured in liters (L) with Contec Spirometer SP80B. Three trials were performed per participant, with the mean used for analysis.

    Measured: 6 weeks

  4. Peak expiratory flow (PEF)

    Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured in liters per one second (L/s) using the Contec Spirometer SP80B. Three trials were performed per participant, with the mean used for analysis.

    Measured: 6 weeks

  5. Genchi test

    The Genchi test (breath-hold after maximal exhalation) waas performed in a seated position. Before testing, participants were instructed to breathe calmly, and breath-hold duration (in seconds) was recorded using a stopwatch.

    Measured: 6 weeks

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)

    Three DNS functional tests were selected: the diaphragm test, head/neck/trunk flexion test, and head/neck/trunk extension test (Kobesova et al., 2020). Tests were scored on a 4-point scale (1 = failed, 4 = excellent) based on muscle activation, symmetry, posture, and compensatory movements.

    Measured: 6 weeks

  2. Trunk Stability Tests

    Trunk stability was assessed using the Stabilizer Pressure Bio-Feedback device. Four tests were conducted: prone activation, supine activation, bent-leg lift, and straight-leg lift. Pressure changes during abdominal muscle activation were recorded, with three repetitions per test and mean values calculated (Garnier, 2009; Herrington, 2005).

    Measured: 6 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Sep 2025
  2. Study start10 Dec 2024
  3. Primary completion12 Dec 2024
  4. Study completion1 May 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
50 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07175844
Sponsor's protocol ID
LithuanianSportsU-25
Acronym
VO vs BE
Status last verified
Sep 2025
First submitted
2 Sep 2025
Last updated
16 Sep 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Vocal exercises and Breathing exercises in people with Healthy Subjects, run by Lithuanian Sports University at 2 sites in Lithuania.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Lithuania. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Sep 2025.

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VO vs BE Clinical Trial NCT07175844 | AzTrials