Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Rowing Performance

Abstract

Research has shown that elite athletes may benefit from inspiratory muscle training (IMT) when used as an adjunct to their regular training. PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of IMT when used as an adjunct to training for colligate rowers. METHODS: Thirteen members (n = 13) of the Western Washington University men's (5) and women's (7) crew team (age: 20.71 ± 1.68 yr; height: 176.70 ± 8.18 cm; weight: 73.11 ± 7.04 kg) performed IMT five days a week for eight weeks at 75% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). Respiratory rate as well as peak and mean power on the Wingate anaerobic test and MIP were measured prior to the IMT to obtain baseline values. At week 4, MIP was determined and training loads adjusted to maintain 75% MIP. MIP and the Wingate variables were re-tested after 4- and 8-weeks of training. A sport specific 6-minuite rowing test was performed prior to training and again after 8-weeks in order to compare mean power and distance. Comparisons were made using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Rowing ergometer distance (1552.50 ± 106.72 m pre vs. 1615.42 ± 106.78 m post) and mean power (227.13 ± 49.52 W pre vs. 254.37 ± 48.88 W post) in the 6- minute rowing test increased significantly (p <.05) over eight weeks. MIP was also significantly increased (p <.001) over the eight week training period (114.35 ±31.89 cm H2O pre; 178.90 ± 39.67 cm H2O at 4-weeks; 212.50 ± 43.35 cm H2O after 8-weeks). Respiratory rate (39.67 ± 5.26 breaths per min (bpm) pre; 36.83 ± 5.17 bpm after 4-weeks; 37.58 ± 6.43 bpm after eight-weeks, p = .246), peak power (382.34 ± 77.04 W pre; 395.56 ± 97.85 W after 4-weeks; 395.96 ± 80.40 W after 8-weeks, p =.671), and mean power (317.37 ± 52.59 W pre; 321.37 ± 67.99 W after 4-weeks; 324.12 ±57.21 W after 8-weeks, p = .757) during the Wingate test showed no significant changes over the 8-weeks of training. CONCLUSION: IMT resulted in significant increases in MIP, and sport-specific functional parameters, rowing distance and rowing power, following 8-weeks of training at 75% MIP. Inspiratory muscle training may be a beneficial adjunct to training in competitive collegiate level rowers.