The effects of inspiratory muscle training in athletes: a systematic review

  • Douglas Manoel Pereira Ferreira Acadêmico de Fisioterapia da Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA), Belém, Pará, Brasil.
  • Marcio Clementino de Souza Santos Docente de Fisioterapia da Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA); Doutor em Doenças Tropicais pelo Núcleo de Medicina Tropical - UFPA, Belém, Pará, Brasil.
  • Rodrigo Santiago Barbosa Rocha Docente de Fisioterapia da Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA), Belém, Pará, Brasil; Doutor em Ciências do Movimento Humano pela Universidade Metodista de Piracicaba, Brasil.
  • Tiago Costa Esteves Fisioterapeuta pela Universidade da Amazônia (UNAMA); Mestre em Ensino em Saúde pelo Centro Universitário do Pará (CESUPA), Belém, Pará, Brasil.
Keywords: Respiratory muscle training, Athletes, Physiotherapy

Abstract

The study reviews the impact of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) on athletes participating in both team and individual sports, emphasizing its influence on respiratory capacity. The relevance of physiotherapy in enhancing sports performance by conditioning the respiratory musculature is highlighted, which is crucial in meeting the physical demands of sports activities. The methodology employed was an systematic literature review, examining 606 articles, of which 11 were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Various sports modalities were studied, primarily involving male participants. The most common IMT devices were Powerbreathe and Threshold, varying in protocols, weekly frequency, and intervention duration. The results indicate significant improvements in respiratory capacity, particularly in inspiratory muscle strength (PImax), among athletes in diverse sports such as swimming, athletics, and football. Some studies showed positive associations between IMT and sports performance, such as reduced times in swimming tests. The duration of training appears to impact the results, suggesting that shorter periods may require higher session frequencies for effectiveness. The study concludes that IMT leads to improvements in respiratory capacity and, in some cases, in sports performance, emphasizing its significance for athletes. However, further research is necessary to establish ideal IMT protocols, encompassing duration, load, progression, and frequency, considering a broader range of sports modalities, to solidify its applicability as a valuable tool for athletes.

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Published
2024-10-01
How to Cite
Ferreira, D. M. P., Santos, M. C. de S., Rocha, R. S. B., & Esteves, T. C. (2024). The effects of inspiratory muscle training in athletes: a systematic review. Brazilian Journal of Exercise Prescription and Physiology, 18(116), 398-406. Retrieved from https://www.rbpfex.com.br/index.php/rbpfex/article/view/2906
Issue
Vol. 18 No. 116 (2024)
Section
Scientific Articles - Original

Copyright (c) 2024 Douglas Manoel Pereira Ferreira, Marcio Clementino de Souza Santos, Rodrigo Santiago Barbosa Rocha, Tiago Costa Esteves

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