Respiratory muscle strength and aerobic performance of wheelchair basketball players

Raphael N Pereira,Marlene A Moreno,Wilson Flávio S Corrêa,Camila B Gonçalves,Daniel R Mizuhira,Marcos Fabio R Abreu

doi:10.1590/s1980-6574201600030002

Raphael N Pereira, Marlene A Moreno + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1980-6574201600030002

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Abstract

The respiratory system has been described as a limiting factor in the performance of athletes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the respiratory muscle strength (RMS) and aerobic performance of wheelchair basketball players (WCBPs). We evaluated 19 male WCBPs who were divided into two groups: trunk control group (TCG) and without trunk control group (WTCG). All participants underwent a pulmonary function test, evaluation of maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures, and an aerobic performance test. The MIP of both groups and the MEP values of TCG exceeded the predicted values for age and gender. No differences were observed in the MIP and aerobic performance between the groups although a difference was observed in the MEP values. Positive correlations were observed between MIP/MEP and the aerobic performance for both groups. These results suggested that the overall RMS of this group of WCBPs fell within or above the predicted values. Hence, the study concluded that RMS can positively influence the aerobic performance of WCBP.

Highlights

Respiratory muscle strength is an important variable for evaluating the respiratory health of people with disabilities, especially in subjects who have some form of muscle dysfunction generating trunk instability
Several authors have indicated the relevance of spinal cord injury (SCI) in decreased pulmonary function resulting from alterations in the mechanics of respiratory muscles[1,12,18,19]
Evidence showed a decline in the pulmonary function of subjects with SCI, which they attributed to higher body mass index, lower inspiratory muscle strength, and declined levels of physical fitness[20]

Summary

Introduction

Respiratory muscle strength is an important variable for evaluating the respiratory health of people with disabilities, especially in subjects who have some form of muscle dysfunction generating trunk instability. The respiratory system has been described as a limiting factor in the aerobic performance of highly-trained athletes. These limitations are related to increased respiratory work, exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia, respiratory muscle fatigue, and dyspnea[3]. The increase in respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute volume; in sustained exercises that exceed 85% of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max)—generates a greater metabolic demand on the inspiratory muscles, especially in the diaphragm, and can lead to muscle fatigue in some cases[4]

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