Elite cyclists/athletes could benefit from sport-specific IMT

The Japan Institute of Sports Science published this study, Maximal inspiratory mouth pressure in Japanese elite male athletes in Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology (August 2016). It explains that maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (MIP) is a common measurement of inspiratory muscle strength. MIP  is often used in a variety of exercises to test the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT). Understanding MIP characteristics in elite athletes’ is required in order to guide sport-specific inspiratory muscle training programs. This study investigated the MIP characteristics of elite athletes from a variety of sports.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that athletes could benefit from prescribed, sport-specific, inspiratory muscle training or warm-ups.

POWERbreathe Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT)

POWERbreathe IMT devices use the principles of resistance training to exercise the inspiratory muscles. This training makes the breathing muscles stronger. Stronger breathing muscles mean improved stamina and reduced fatigue. And as breathing strength and stamina increase so performance improves.

There are many studies that show IMT can increase the strength and endurance of the inspiratory muscles.

POWERbreathe IMT is also beneficial as part of a sports warm-up, when using it on a reduced load setting on the POWERbreathe Classic or Plus. However the POWERbreathe K3, K4 and K5 all feature a Warm-up Mode which automatically sets a proportion of your normal training level for you. Research has shown that a standard pre-exercise warm-up routine fails to prepare the breathing muscles for the rigours of exercise.

POWERbreathe IMT is also a hugely beneficial recovery protocol. A POWERbreathe ‘cool-down’ will help speed lactate clearance more effectively than traditional active recovery strategies. Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil have found that breathing against a small inspiratory load immediately after exercise reduces lactate by 16%.