Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on the Aerobic Capacity and Hormones of Elite Rowers before Olympic Games

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Specific Respiratory Muscles Training (SRMT) on VO2max, lactate threshold power and hormones in female rowers from China Olympic Rowing Team. METHODS: Twelve open weight international level female rowers were divided randomly into two groups: SRMT group (n=6, performing a training regime of 30 personal maximal resistance breaths, about 10 minutes once a day) and control group (n=6). Before and after 60 days, VO2max, levels of Testosterone (T) and Cortical (C) were tested. Lactate threshold power (LTP) was calculated every two weeks. RESULTS: 1. VO2max had no significant changes before and after SRMT. Lactate threshold power increased significantly after 60 days of SRMT. lactate threshold and the resistance of SRMT was highly correlated (r=0.918); 2. T in SRMT group changed insignificantly (P>0.05) and C decreased significantly (P<0.05), T/C ratio increased significantly after 60 days of SRMT (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 1. After 60 day's specific respiratory muscles training, lactate threshold power of female rowers increased significantly, suggesting that specific respiratory muscles training could improve the maximal aerobic capacity. 2. Regular training in combination with respiratory muscles training increased T/C ratio, showing that anabolism in rower became dominant. SRMT female rowers got one golden and one silver medal in Beijing Olympic Games. Results revealed that SRMT would be a non-traditional training stimulus for better endurance and reliable competitive advantage.