Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Maximal Inspiratory Pressure Without Increasing Performance in Elite Swimmers

Abstract

To analyze the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (MIP) and performance of elite swimmers. Eight participants performed a 3000-m swimming test (T-3000), followed by blood lactate measurements at 1 and 5minutes postexercise.. The testing protocol was carried out before and after 6weeks of IMT, in which a high-volume IMT group (HV-IMT) (n = 4) performed IMT twice a day-in the morning in a seated position and in the afternoon in a concurrent session of IMT and core muscle training. Also, a low-volume IMT group (LV-IMT) (n = 4) performed IMT in the morning session only. After the intervention, both groups improved their MIP, HV-IMT (132.75 [27.42] to 156.75 [21.88] cmH2O; P = .010; d = 0.967) and LV-IMT (149.25 [22.82] to 171.50 [23.74] cmH2O; P = .013; d = 0.955), without a significant difference between groups (P = .855). Regarding swimming performance, there were no changes between groups in the T-3000 (P = .472) or lactate removal rate (P = .104). IMT increased inspiratory muscle strength in elite swimmers, but there was no association or meaningful impact on swimming performance.