Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Breathing Techniques and Digital Solutions for Enhancing Running Performance
Published on: September 27, 2024
Whole-body active warm-up and inspiratory muscle warm-up do not improve running performance when carrying thoracic
1a College of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK.
Abstract:
Whole-body active warm-ups (AWU) and inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) prior to exercise improves performance on some endurance exercise tasks. This study investigated the effects of AWU with and without IMW upon 2.4-km running time-trial performance while carrying a 25-kg backpack, a common task and backpack load in physically demanding occupations. Participants (n = 9) performed five 2.4-km running time-trials with a 25-kg thoracic load preceded in random order by (i) IMW comprising 2 × 30 inspiratory efforts against a pressure-threshold load of 40% maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), (ii) 10-min unloaded running (AWU) at lactate turnpoint (10.33 ± 1.58 km·h-1), (iii) placebo IMW (PLA) comprising 5-min breathing using a sham device, (iv) AWU+IMW, and (v) AWU+PLA. Pooled baseline PImax was similar between trials and increased by 7% and 6% following IMW and AWU+IMW (P < 0.05). Relative to baseline, pooled PImax was reduced by 9% after the time-trial, which was not different between trials (P > 0.05). Time-trial performance was not different between any trials. Whole-body AWU and IMW performed alone or combination have no ergogenic effect upon high-intensity, short-duration performance when carrying a 25-kg load in a backpack.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration
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,...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Muscles of the Thorax
The diaphragm is at the core of thoracic musculature, the primary muscle involved in breathing. This expansive, dome-shaped muscle marks the division between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It...
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...

