Purpose The significance of pulmonary function, respiratory muscles, and core muscle strength in athletes is extensively studied, however the correlation between these variables remains unexplored in athletes with disabilities. This study examines the relationship between these parameters, aiming to identify potential disparities relative to athleticism and disabilities. Methods Seventy-nine athletes (38 Paralympic, 41 Olympic) participated in the study. Participants performed pulmonary function tests and isokinetic trunk strength tests in concentric mode (at 60 °·s-1). Results Although the expected values of their pulmonary function tests were similar (p > 0.05), the results for Paralympic athletes were lower compared to those of Olympic athletes (p < 0.05). The trunk muscle strength of paralympic athletes was lower than that of the Olympic athletes (p < 0.05). There was a positive relationship between pulmonary functions and trunk muscle strength in Paralympic (r: 0.335-0.670; p < 0.05) and Olympic athletes (r: 0.316-0.594; p < 0.05). Conclusions The findings suggest a potentially stronger relationship between trunk muscle strength and respiratory parameters in Paralympic athletes.
© Copyright 2025 Sports Medicine and Health Science. Elsevier. All rights reserved.