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Effect of training frequency on maximum expiratory pressure
Supraja Anand1, Nour El-Bashiti, Christine Sapienza
1University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. supraja.anand@ufl.edu
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|May 26, 2012
Summary
Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) frequency did not impact maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) improvements in healthy adults. Both 3 and 5 days per week yielded similar gains, suggesting training frequency may not be a critical variable for this population.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Expiratory muscle weakness can impair respiratory function.
- Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) is a potential intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different EMST frequencies on maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) in healthy adults.
Main Methods:
- 12 healthy participants were divided into two groups: 3 days/week and 5 days/week of EMST.
- A 4-week EMST program was administered using a standardized trainer.
- MEP was measured as the primary outcome to assess training effects.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in MEP improvement was observed between the 3 days/week and 5 days/week EMST groups.
- Overall, participants demonstrated a 33% increase in MEP across both groups after 4 weeks of training.
Conclusions:
- Training frequency may not be a critical factor for improving MEP in healthy young adults.
- Further research is warranted to explore EMST frequency in patient populations with expiratory muscle weakness.
- Optimizing EMST protocols based on training frequency could enhance clinical effectiveness and patient adherence.
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