BACKGROUND AND AIM: Computer users are at an increased risk of developing musculoskeletal and respiratory dysfunction. It is observed that energy expenditure and pulmonary functions are compromised due to the forward head and rotated neck posture. It is associated with pain due to decreases in tissue oxygenation and regional blood flow. Respiratory muscle stretch gymnastics (RMSG) group of stretching exercises performed to stretch specific respiratory muscles. Very few studies have been conducted to see the RMSG effect on computer workers. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effect of RMSG on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), exercise capacity (EC), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), pain, and posture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two subjects aged 20 to 60 years fulfilling inclusion criteria were randomly divided into intervention (Group A) and control (Group B) groups. Group A (n = 26) received stretching and RMSG exercise thrice/day, 4 sets, 3 days/week for 4 weeks, whereas Group B (n = 26) received stretching exercise only for the same period. PEFR, EC, RPE, pain, and posture were measured pre-and posttraining. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (version 20.0). Results: It showed a significant difference in all outcome measures within Group A (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups regarding PEFR, completion time of the 1-mile-walk test, pain intensity, and posture (p < 0.05) but no significant difference in VO2 max and RPE (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: RMSG exercise is cost-free, easy and can be performed by subjects themselves to improve PEFR, EC, RPE, pain, and posture in computer workers.

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