Competitive Swim Breathing: A Survey-Informed Tutorial for Speech-Language Pathologists Who Treat EILO

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Laryngology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) presents unique challenges in competitive swimmers.
• Understanding swimmers' breathing strategies is crucial for effective EILO management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey competitive swimmers about their breathing techniques.
• To inform speech-language pathologists on clinical perspectives for treating EILO in swimmers.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 62 competitive swimmers (aged 18+).
• Inquiries focused on breathing techniques during training and competition, head turn preferences, and stroke-to-breath ratios.
• Questions also addressed EILO and asthma history.

Main Results:

• Trickle breathing was a common strategy, though techniques varied between training and competition.
• Breath-to-stroke ratios differed based on swim distance for competitive advantage.
• Thirteen swimmers reported inspiratory difficulty; two had EILO, one had asthma.

Conclusions:

• Swimmers with EILO require individualized treatment due to diverse and idiosyncratic breathing strategies.
• A one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate for this population.
• Successful EILO intervention in swimmers necessitates critical thinking and a deep understanding of respiratory and laryngeal physiology.