Respiratory muscles training with isocapnic hyperpnoea (HY) method improves ventilatory parameters and exercise capacity.

Abstract

Introduction: Recent evidences suggest that respiratory muscles training improves the exercise capacity. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of respiratory muscles training with HY (Spirotiger®) on respiratory parameters and exercise capacity. Materials and Methods: 12 Females: Group A: 6 (age 24 ±0,8) with HY training (20 min/day x 5/weeks) for 1 month; Group B control: 6 (age 23 ±2,6). Respiratory function tests [vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP)]; Incremental maximal cycle ergometer test: [watt/min, oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), dyspnea scale (Borg)] before (T0 ) and after training (T1 ). The daily physical activity was monitored by Armband at T0 and T1: unchanged. Results: Group A (table 1). Respiratory Function: VC (L) FEV1 (L/sec) MVV(L/min) MIP(kPa) T0 3,87±0,32 3,52±0,23 128 ±23 7,16±1,03 T1 4,15±0,35* 3,47±0,27 139±13* 8,74±1,75* Exercise test: Wattmax Watt VAT VO2max (mL/min) VO2 VAT (mL/min) T0 191±17,5 111±8,9 2240±137 1456 ±126 T1 200±18,4* 116±10,8* 2401±278 1533±107 VAT= ventilatory anaerobic threshold (V-Slope method) During the test at T1 with respect to T0, HR and Borg scale were always significantly lower, while the tidal volume (TD) was always significantly higher. Group B: no significant change. Statistical analysis by T-Test and Test ANOVA: *=p<0,05 Conclusions: Respiratory muscles training with HY improves respiratory function parameters and exercise power expressed at VAT and at peak