Abstract
Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) has been associated with increased maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). Because wind instrumentalists depend on sufficient pressure production for optimal musical performance, it is possible that EMST might improve musical performance in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine if 4 weeks of EMST would improve instrumental performance in relation to MEP in college-level wind instrumentalists. All participants (N=19) were pre-tested for MEP (inH 2 O) and musical performance measures of loudness (dB) and duration of play (sec) on various pitches. Participants were then divided into groups matched by MEP, gender, and instrument. The experimental group (n=12) trained 4 times/week for 4 weeks at 75% MEP. Following training, MEP increased significantly in the experimental group (pre: 49.50±14.41; post: 83.17±22.47 inH 2 O) compared to the control group (pre: 50.29±7.76; post: 53.14±11.89 inH 2 O, p< 0.0001). There were no significant musical performance improvements as measured following training, but results suggest that EMST may be a viable option for instrumental training. Future research might build upon this study design to better assess the effects of EMST on musical performance in wind instrumentalists by considering alternate definitions for musical performance and by assessing specific instruments separately.
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