Examination of Strength Training and Detraining Effects in Expiratory Muscles

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine strength gains following expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) and to determine detraining effects when the training stimulus is removed. Thirty-two healthy participants were enrolled in an EMST program. Sixteen participants trained for 4 weeks (Group 1) and 16 participants trained for 8 weeks (Group 2). All 32 participants were detrained for 8 weeks. Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) was used to document change in expiratory muscle strength throughout the study. Group 1 had a 41% increase and Group 2 had a 51% increase in MEP following the training. Mean MEP, for both groups, was significantly greater than baseline at the end of the training period (p = .0001), at the 4th week of detraining (p = .0001), and at the 8th week of detraining (p = .0001). The results also indicated that there was no significant difference in mean MEP between the groups at baseline, end of training, or throughout the detraining period (p = .960). The results suggest that expiratory muscle strength gains following a 4- and 8-week EMST program do not differ significantly. Additionally, detraining rates do not appear to be dependent on length of training time.