Peer-Reviewed Research Summary

The Effect of Respiratory Muscle Training on Young Track and Field Athletes, Tsvetkova-Gaberska et al., 2023

The study aimed to present the effect of respiratory muscle training on lung function, pulmonary ventilation and endurance in adolescent track and field athletes as a part of their pre-competition training. Twenty-four competitive junior athletes (mean age 15.1 ± 1.4 years, height 169.3± 6.0 cm, body mass 56.3 ± 7.7 kg) participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: control group (CG, n = 12: 4 males and 8 females) and respiratory muscle training group (RMT group, n = 12: 4 males and 8 females). The anthropometric parameters voluntary inspiration apnea and voluntary expiratory apnea as well as the spirometric parameters were measured in all participants. The state of the respiratory and cardiovascular system was examined by Ruffier squat test. All investigated parameters were determined at rest and during forced exhalation at the beginning and at the end of the study. During the 4 weeks, the CG had to perform only the track and field training given by the coach, while the RMT group additionally did respiratory muscle training with a specialized device (Spirotiger) for 15 min. At the end of the study a significant increase (p<,05) in the duration of the breathholding tests and chest expansion measurement was found in the RMT group, as compared to CG, as well as a more pronounced decrease of the Ruffier index. Further, for RMT group was established a significant increase (p<0,05) in vital capacity (20%), tidal volume (24%), inspiratoty reserve volume (60%) and also for the dynamic characteristics of respiratory function (peak expiratory flow - with 37% and maximal expiratory flow-75% with 37 %). These results reveal evidence that progressive RMT, through isocapnic hyperpnea, in addition to the precompetition training of athletes, improves the function of the inspiratory and expiratory muscles, leading to a greater endurance of the cardiorespiratory system. Therefore, RMT can be considered a worthwhile ergogenic aid for young track-and-field athletics.

What is Respiratory Muscle Training?

Respiratory muscle training (RMT) is defined as a technique that aims to improve the function of the respiratory muscles through specific exercises. RMT has been shown to improve respiratory function, reduce the sensation of dyspnea and improve endurance in hypoxic conditions.

During heavy exercise, blood flow (and hence oxygen delivery) to your exercising muscles is restricted because your inspiratory muscles fatigue, impairing performance. This process is called a metaboreflex and is a ‘survival’ instinct, as your body chooses the need to breathe over the need to ‘perform’. However, with a well trained and strong diaphragm (your main breathing muscle), greater blood flow to your limbs can be maintained.

The most well studied form of respiratory training is known as inspiratory pressure threshold loading. In this method, athletes breathe via a device, such as the Powerbreathe, which contains a pressure loaded inspiratory valve and an unloaded expiratory flap valve. Training can be progressively increased in intensity by increasing the duration and rate of breathing.