Inspiratory Muscle Function in Female Collegiate Rugby Players

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine whether inspiratory muscle fatigue is induced via a regulation rugby match in female collegiate rugby players and what affect a five week inspiratory muscle training programme will have on inspiratory muscle function in female collegiate Rugby players. METHODS: Baseline pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1.0) [MicroLoop, Micro Medical, Kent, UK], aerobic capacity (MultiStageFitness Test) and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP)[MicroRPM - Micro Medical, Kent, UK] were measured for all players (n=12). MIP was then measured at three separate time points (pre-game[Pre], at half-time [HT] and post-game [Post])relating to a standard regulation match. The twelve players were then split randomly into training (n=6) and placebo groups (n=6).Each group underwent a 5 week training programme, the intervention group (IMT) training consisted of 30 inspiratory efforts, twice a day at approximately 50% of MIP while the placebo group (PG) performed 60 inspiratory efforts one a day at approximately 15% of MIP. All training was performed using POWERbreath® sports performance plus. Post training measures were then taken for all variables. The players were informed that each protocol was measuring Inspiratory Muscle function and that the two protocols were going to be compared. All players took part with full informed consent and all procedures were as accepted by the institutional ethics committee. RESULTS: There was no significant drop in inspiratory muscle function when comparing the Pre-match results to the Post-match results (p CONCLUSIONS: Female collegiate level female rugby players do not appear to suffer from inspiratory muscle fatigue during a normal game, however these same players can increase their MIP with specific training. Many studies have looked at various forms of inspiratory muscle training in different sports however this is one of the very few studies to look at female games based sports.