Fixed Load Incremental Respiratory Muscle Training: A pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the use of a new incremental test of respiratory endurance (the ‘TIRE’) as a method of fixed load respiratory muscle training (RMT) in normal volunteers. Ten subjects completed ten weeks of RMT with training levels set at 80% of peak. Using the related t-test to analyse the data significant increases were seen in respiratory muscle strength (p < 0.005), and respiratory muscle endurance (p < 0.005). Subjects reported anecdotally that after four to six weeks of RMT they experienced reduced levels of dyspnoea and improved exercise performance during regular sporting activities.We conclude that fixed load incremental RMT, set at a level consistent with systemic training regimes, increases the strength and endurance of respiratory muscles. Further controlled investigation in a larger population is required. This should include training level manipulation by the TIRE to obtain strength or endurance effect and formal assessment of the dyspnoea perception and systemic performance reported anecdotally during this study.