CAP_VCL_Forced_Dataset.csv

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) impairs lung function, necessitating effective rehabilitation to enhance recovery. Conventional physiotherapy has limited evidence for improving spirographic indicators, prompting exploration of novel interventions like dance-based gymnastics. Methods: We conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, enrolling 24 adults (aged 20–30) recovering from CAP. Participants were randomized to an experimental group (TG, n=12) receiving dance-based gymnastics plus conventional physiotherapy or a control group (CG, n=12) receiving conventional physiotherapy alone. Primary outcomes were spirographic indicators (forced vital capacity [VCL forced], minute volume of breathing [MVB], breathing volume [BV]), assessed at baseline and 12 weeks using a calibrated spirometer. Data were analyzed with t-tests and ANOVA (p<0.05). Results: The TG showed significantly greater improvements in VCL forced (p<0.004), MVB (p<0.005), and BV (p<0.005) compared to the CG. Hypoxic test pause durations also improved in the TG (p<0.001), indicating enhanced respiratory endurance. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Dance-based gymnastics, combined with conventional physiotherapy, markedly improves lung function in CAP recovery, supporting its integration into rehabilitation protocols. Larger trials are needed to confirm long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. Keywords: Community-acquired pneumonia, dance-based rehabilitation, spirography, physiotherapy, lung function, respiratory endurance.