Inspiratory Muscle Training Included in Therapeutic and Training Regimens for Middle-Distance Runners.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Physiology

Background:

• Respiratory muscle training (IMT) is increasingly used to enhance athletic performance.
• The effectiveness of different IMT devices and their impact across genders requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of two respiratory muscle training devices, PowerBreathe and Threshold, on the physical performance and respiratory function of middle-distance runners.
• To analyze potential gender-based differences in response to IMT.

Main Methods:

• 32 high-level middle-distance runners were divided into three groups: PowerBreathe IMT, Threshold IMT, and sham-IMT (control).
• Assessments included spirometry, maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), expiratory pressure (PEmax), VO2/kg, and lactate threshold.
• Data were analyzed for significant differences between groups and sexes.

Main Results:

• PowerBreathe IMT led to significant improvements in VO2/kg, PEF, PImax, PEmax, and lactate threshold, with decreased lactic acid levels in both male and female runners.
• Threshold IMT showed a significant increase only in PEmax, with no other significant changes in measured parameters.
• No significant gender-based differences were observed in response to either device.

Conclusions:

• IMT with the PowerBreathe device significantly enhances respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and endurance performance in middle-distance runners.
• The Threshold device did not yield significant performance improvements compared to the control group.
• PowerBreathe IMT appears to be a more effective intervention for improving key physiological parameters in this athletic population.