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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(1): 16-21
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038794
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Influence of Respiratory Muscle Training Upon Intermittent Exercise Performance

C. R. Nicks1 , D. W. Morgan2 , D. K. Fuller3 , J. L. Caputo2
  • 1Exercise Science Program, Columbus State University, Columbus, Georgia, United States
  • 2Department of Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, United States
  • 3Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, United States
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision June 11, 2008

Publication Date:
30 October 2008 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on intermittent exercise performance, respiratory muscle strength (PImax), respiratory muscle fatigue (RMF), and dyspnea in soccer athletes. Collegiate soccer athletes (20 male, 7 female) were randomly divided into either a RMT or control condition during off-season conditioning. The RMT group performed a 30RM protocol (10 times weekly) for 5 weeks using a commercially-available training device, while the controls received no RMT. Performance was evaluated utilizing Level 1 of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (IRT) and dyspnea was assessed during and immediately following the IRT. RMF was quantified within 2 minutes (RMF2) and 10 minutes (RMF10) after completing the IRT. Following training, the RMT group significantly increased IRT performance by 216.6 ± 231.0 meters (p = .008) while the 49.2 ± 75.1 meter increase observed in the controls was not significant. PImax in the RMT group increased from 138.1 ± 19.6 to 165.3 ± 23.5 cmH2O (p < .001), with no significant change observed in the controls. RMT did not significantly affect RMF or dyspnea. In conclusion, RMT improved intermittent exercise performance in these soccer athletes. The mechanisms by which RMT improves performance warrant further study.

Key words

respiratory muscles - intermittent exercise - dyspnea - soccer

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Dr. Clayton R. Nicks

Columbus State University
Exercise Science Program

4225 University Avenue

Columbus, Georgia 31907

United States

Fax: + 1 70 65 69 26 34

Email: nicks_clayton@colstate.edu

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