Recreational judo training, singing in the choir, or hip-hop dancing - the alternative opportunities to develop the human respiratory system. The pilot study

Abstract

Background. One of the most important elements of physical wellness is the comfort of breathing – unlimited use of the surrounding air by the human body, without breathlessness, day or night apnea, or the ability to use the voice at full range and intensity. Comfort of breathing can be obtained for example by participation in sport or physical recreation. A large number of studies have indicated low levels of physical activity in the contemporary young generation, which limits the development of the respiratory system as well as complicates proper general physical development. Problem. Can singing in a choir, hip-hop dancing or recreational judo training improve functionality of the respiratory system in a similar way as does another form of physical activities? Material and Methods. A spirometric study involved 24 female members of the Chamber Choir of Kazimierz Wielki University, 24 female students from physical recreation practicing judo, 24 female hip-hop dancers and 26 female students from other faculties – control group. All these people were from Kazimierz Wielki University. Results. The results of the spirometric test suggest that singing in the choir, judo training and hip-hop dancing significantly improve human respiratory system. Conclusion. The results showed that the physical activity by recreational judo training improves the human respiratory system to the highest degree and it does not require special natural abilities like “ear to sing” (required in choir) and “a sense of rhythm” (required in hip-hop dancing).