Evaluation of the effectiveness of the external nasal dilator strip in adolescent athletes: a randomized trial

Evaluate the cardio-respiratory capacity (VO₂max.) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) of healthy adolescent athletes with experimental and placebo external nasal dilator strips (ENDS).

48 healthy adolescent athletes between the ages of 11 and 15 were evaluated and submitted to a cardio-respiratory 1000 m race in randomized order. The participants had peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) values measured using the In-check-inspiratory flow meter. Dyspnea intensity was evaluated after a 1000 m test race using a labeled visual analog scale for dyspnea.

In relation to VO2max., when the participants used the experimental ENDS, significantly higher means were noted than when the placebo was used (53.0 ± 4.2 mL/kg min(-1) and 51.2 ± 5.5 mL/kg min(-1), respectively) (p<0.05). In relation to PNIF, there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and placebo ENDS result, that being, 123 ± 38 L/min and 116 ± 38 L/min, respectively (p<0.05). The dyspnea perceived by the participants was representatively lesser in the experimental ENDS condition compared to the placebo after the cardio-respiratory test (p<0.05).

The results suggest that the ENDS improve maximal oxygen uptake, nasal patency and respiratory effort in healthy adolescent athletes after submaximal exercise.