Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
04:12
Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide
Published on: January 30, 2026
748
Controlled Frequency Breathing Reduces Inspiratory Muscle Fatigue
Alex R Burtch1, Ben T Ogle, Patrick A Sims
11Department of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky; 2Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas; 3Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; and 4Department of Respiratory Therapy, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|August 19, 2016
Summary
Controlled frequency breathing (CFB) training helps swimmers prevent inspiratory muscle fatigue. However, this swim training method did not improve overall swimming performance or aerobic capacity.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Controlled frequency breathing (CFB) is a swim training technique.
- CFB involves breath-holding for 7-10 strokes before inhaling.
- The impact of CFB on respiratory muscle fatigue is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CFB training on reducing respiratory muscle fatigue in swimmers.
- To determine if CFB training improves swimming performance, aerobic capacity, pulmonary diffusing capacity, and running economy.
Main Methods:
- Competitive college swimmers were divided into a CFB group (2-3 breaths/50m) and a control group (8-10 breaths/50m).
- Training involved 16 sessions over 5-6 weeks of 12 × 50-m repetitions.
- Inspiratory muscle fatigue was assessed by measuring maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) before and after a 200-yard freestyle swim.
Main Results:
- Pooled results showed a 12% decrease in MIP post-race.
- After 4 weeks, only the CFB group prevented a significant decline in MIP.
- No significant improvements in swimming performance, aerobic capacity, pulmonary diffusing capacity, or running economy were observed in either group.
Conclusions:
- CFB training appears to be effective in preventing inspiratory muscle fatigue in swimmers.
- Despite preventing fatigue, CFB training did not lead to improvements in performance metrics.
- Further research may be needed to explore the performance benefits of CFB training.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles
5.1K
The Role of Accessory Muscles in the Respiratory System
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...
5.1K
01:30Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration
3.6K
Introduction to Inspiration: The Respiratory System in Action
The respiratory system, an essential network for breathing, comprises the conducting and respiratory zones, each playing a crucial role in the overall process of respiration. Let us explore the detailed mechanism of inspiration, or inhalation, which is the first phase of the respiratory cycle.
Pathway of Air during Inspiration
During inspiration, air enters our body through the nose or mouth and moves through the conducting zone,...
The respiratory system, an essential network for breathing, comprises the conducting and respiratory zones, each playing a crucial role in the overall process of respiration. Let us explore the detailed mechanism of inspiration, or inhalation, which is the first phase of the respiratory cycle.
Pathway of Air during Inspiration
During inspiration, air enters our body through the nose or mouth and moves through the conducting zone,...
3.6K
01:23Mechanism of Breathing II: Expiration
2.4K
The Physiology of Expiration: A Seamless Respiratory Process
Expiration, or exhaling, is a complex physiological process that begins as the inspiratory muscles begin to relax. This relaxation triggers a series of events that epitomize the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Mechanism of Expiration:
Expiration, or exhaling, is a complex physiological process that begins as the inspiratory muscles begin to relax. This relaxation triggers a series of events that epitomize the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Mechanism of Expiration:
2.4K
01:27Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
1.1K
Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
1.1K
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
6.7K
Introduction
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
6.7K
01:24Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
9.5K
Pulmonary ventilation is a vital process that ensures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, enabling the body to obtain oxygen and remove waste carbon dioxide. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of pulmonary ventilation, including its underlying principles, mechanisms, and the interplay of pressures within the respiratory system.
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
9.5K