The effect of respiratory muscle training on young track-and-field athletes

Abstract

The study aimed to present the effect of respiratory muscle training on lung function, pulmonary ventilation and endurance in adolescent track and field athletes as a part of their pre-competition training. Twenty-four competitive junior athletes (mean age 15.1 ± 1.4 years, height 169.3± 6.0 cm, body mass 56.3 ± 7.7 kg) participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: control group (CG, n = 12: 4 males and 8 females) and respiratory muscle training group (RMT group, n = 12: 4 males and 8 females). The anthropometric parameters voluntary inspiration apnea and voluntary expiratory apnea as well as the spirometric parameters were measured in all participants. The state of the respiratory and cardiovascular system was examined by Ruffier squat test. All investigated parameters were determined at rest and during forced exhalation at the beginning and at the end of the study. During the 4 weeks, the CG had to perform only the track and field training given by the coach, while the RMT group additionally did respiratory muscle training with a specialized device (Spirotiger) for 15 min. At the end of the study a significant increase (p<,05) in the duration of the breathholding tests and chest expansion measurement was found in the RMT group, as compared to CG, as well as a more pronounced decrease of the Ruffier index. Further, for RMT group was established a significant increase (p<0,05) in vital capacity (20%), tidal volume (24%), inspiratoty reserve volume (60%) and also for the dynamic characteristics of respiratory function (peak expiratory flow - with 37% and maximal expiratory flow-75% with 37 %). These results reveal evidence that progressive RMT, through isocapnic hyperpnea, in addition to the precompetition training of athletes, improves the function of the inspiratory and expiratory muscles, leading to a greater endurance of the cardiorespiratory system. Therefore, RMT can be considered a worthwhile ergogenic aid for young track-and-field athletics.