Does Respiratory Muscle Training Increase Physical Performance?

Abstract

High-intensity RMT did not show any benefits on VO2max and endurance performance and are unlikely to be of benefit to military or paramilitary training programs for an increase in endurance performance.

Effects of Abdominal Exercise on Respiratory Muscles and Pulmonary Function in Healthy Males

“…However, few studies have explored the mechanisms of these effects. Because respiratory muscles are morphologically and functionally skeletal muscles, their response to applied stimulus are similar as those in other skeletal muscles [11]. According to the training theory, muscle performance may not improve if the training intensities are not sufficiently high.…”

A systematic review of job-specific workers’ health surveillance activities for fire-fighting, ambulance, police and military personnel

“…In the study from Sperlich et al (2009), a respiratory muscle training did not increase physical performance in the special force units and military personnel. The training consisted of 30 breath cycles twice a day (about 90% of inspiratory mouth pressure to near maximum fatigue) using a lung training device.…”

“…The exercise intervention programme for ambulance personnel was partly effective (Gamble et al 1993) and respiratory muscle training for military personnel turned out to be not effective (Sperlich et al 2009). Elliot et al (2007) described the promotion of a healthy lifestyle in fire fighters, comparing two different strategies to a control group: a team-centred curriculum and an individual motivational interviewing strategy.…”

“…The study design of the included studies contained four RCTs (Arnetz et al 2009;Elliot et al 2007;Sperlich et al 2009, Kraemer et al 2004, one controlled trial (Knapik et al 2009), one retrospective cohort analysis (Eick et al 2009) and one study with a pre-post design (Gamble et al 1993). The search strategy included studies with a broad scope for work functioning.…”

Comparison of VO2 Max Prediction Value, Physiological Response, and Borg Scale between 12-Minute and 3200-Meter Run Fitness Tests among Indonesian Army Soldiers

“…4 The value of VO 2 max depends on the conditions of cardiovascular, respiratory, hematology, and muscle oxidative capacity. 5,6 The VO 2 max can be measured using exercise testing, using Coopertest or 12-minute run/ walk fitness test. The test is performed by subjects through running or walking as fast as possible for 12 minutes then the mileage is converted to VO 2 max.…”