Forced respiration during the deeper water immersion causes the greater inspiratory muscle fatigue in healthy young men

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of water immersion at different water depths on respiratory function and the effect of inspiratory load breathing (ILB) during water immersion at different water depths on respiratory muscle strength evaluated by maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax, respectively). [Subjects] Eight healthy men participated randomly in three trials. [Methods] All sessions were conducted with the participants in a sitting position immersed in a water bath. We evaluated respiratory function, PImax and PEmax during submersion at three different levels of water depth (umbilicus; 4th-rib; or clavicle, CL) and after subsequent 15-min ILB. [Results] Decreases in vital capacity and expiratory reserve volume from baseline by water immersion were significantly greater in the CL trial than those in the other trials. In the CL trial, PImax was immediately reduced after ILB compared to that at baseline, and the reduction was significantly greater than those in the other trials. PEmax was not affected by ILB in any of the trials. [Conclusion] Forced respiration during deeper water immersion caused greater inspiratory muscle fatigue in healthy young men.

Comparison of respiratory muscle strength in individuals performing continuous and noncontinuous walking exercises in water after the 6-week program

“…In general, in the aquatic environment, the hydrostatic pressure on the abdominal wall causes the diaphragm to lift and to pressurize the lungs, and the hydraulic pressure applied to the chest wall causes a lowering of the compliance of the thorax (Bondi et al, 1996; Buono, 1983; Dahlbäck et al, 1978). It is reported that the chest circumference decreased significantly by about 0.8 cm due to water pressure when it was clavicle-level when compared to before entering the water (Yamashina et al, 2016a). Furthermore, it is reported that the VC and respiratory muscle strength decrease as the water level deepens than the umbilical level (de Andrade et al, 2014).…”

“…Furthermore, de Andrade et al (2014) reported that the decrease in the maximum inspiratory muscle strength during water immersion was greater when the water level was at the clavicle than at the xiphoid process because of the higher water pressure at the clavicular level. We also suggested that forced respiration during upright water immersion up to the clavicular level resulted in greater inspiratory muscle fatigue than at shallower depths (Yamashina et al, 2016a).…”

Effects of Water Immersion in Different Water Depths on Respiratory Function and Respiratory Muscle Strength among Elderly People: An Observational Study

“…Furthermore, de Andrade et al reported that decreased maximum inspiratory muscle strength during water immersion was greater when the water level was at the clavicle than at the xiphoid process due to the higher water pressure at the clavicular level (CL) [11]. We also suggested that forced respiration during upright water immersion up to the CL resulted in greater inspiratory muscle fatigue than at shallower depths in healthy young men [12].…”

Impact of continuous positive airway pressure on the pulmonary changes promoted by immersion in water

“… 2 In healthy individuals, the cardiovascular effects, which include increases in venous return, blood volume, and central venous pressure, result in increased cardiac output, greater left atrial diameter, and higher cardiac volume. 3 - 5 …”

“… 2 Such changes also increase pulmonary capillary pressure, which worsens lung function, reducing VC, FEV 1 , and functional residual capacity, thereby leading to the development of a restrictive pattern of lung function. 2 , 3 , 6 In fact, in clinical practice, many cardiopulmonary diseases induce a restrictive pattern as a consequence of pulmonary congestion, via mechanisms similar to those promoted by immersion in water.…”