The effect of inspiratory and expiratory respiratory muscle training in rowers

Res Sports Med. 2011 Oct;19(4):217-30. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2011.608033.

Abstract

This study examined inspiratory and expiratory resistive loading combined with strength and endurance training on pulmonary function and rowing performance. Twenty-one male (n = 9) and female (n = 12) rowers were matched on 2000 m simulated rowing race time and gender and randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group trained respiratory muscles using a device that provided both an inspiratory and expiratory resistance while the control group used a SHAM device. Respiratory muscle training (RMT) or SHAM was performed 6 d/wk concurrent with strength (3 d/wk) and endurance (3 d/wk) training on alternate days for 10 weeks. Respiratory muscle training (RMT) enhanced maximum inspiratory (PI(max)) and expiratory (PE(max)) strength at rest and during recovery from exercise (P < 0.05). Both groups showed improvements in peak VO2, strength, and 2000 m performance time (P < 0.05). It was concluded that RMT is effective for improving respiratory strength but did not facilitate greater improvements to simulated 2000 m rowing performance.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Exercise Tolerance / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inspiratory Capacity
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Resistance Training / methods*
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Respiratory Muscles / physiology*
  • Sports / physiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult