THE EFFECT OF TRAINING WITH ADDITIONAL RESPIRATORY RESISTANCE ON THE RESULTS OF MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNING

Abstract

Fatigue of the respiratory muscles is one of the important factors that limit athletic performance due to reduced blood flow to the extremities. Additional respiratory resistance (ARR) can effectively improve respiratory muscle endurance and reduce fatigue during long-term exercise or aerobic exercise, thereby enhancing athletic performance. The aim of the study was to study the effect of 4-week respiratory muscle training using ARR on the strength of the respiratory muscles, the rate of change in blood flow in the limbs, and athletic performance in 800 m amateur runners. Methods. Twenty healthy 800m runners were randomized into an experimental group (11 people) and a control group (9 people). ARR training consisted of 30 breaths twice a day, 5 days a week, at an intensity of 40%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of maximum inspiratory pressure (Pmmax) for 4 weeks, while the control group trained with ARR was not used. The initial measured variables were the 800 m running test, the rate of change in blood flow in the limbs, external respiration, physical performance, and maximum oxygen consumption. All measured variables were assessed before and after 4 weeks of training with ARR. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way ANOVA test of variance. Results: after completing the training program with ARR, the experimental group significantly reduced the rate of change in blood flow in the limbs from 12.21±2.14% to 5.97±2.09% (p<0.05). An increase in tidal volume was noted — 734±43 ml in the main group and 674±46 ml in the control group; increase in maximum intraoral pressure — 131.09±11.20 cm w.g. in the main group and 117.1±10.3 cm w.g. at the control; a significant increase in PWC-170 — 872±38.4 kGm/min (main group) and 810±34.8 kGm/min (control group), as well as an increase in maximum oxygen consumption in representatives of the main group (3104±68 ml/min) relatively lower values in the control (2303±72 ml/min). The 800 m running test showed the acceleration of running from 165.97±6.96 to 154.75±5.7 sec. But the control group did not undergo significant changes in the 800 m running test. Conclusion: our results showed that 4-week training with ARR (twice a day, 5 days a week) significantly increased tidal volume, maximum intraoral pressure, physical performance, maximum oxygen consumption, 800m running efficiency and reduces the rate of change in blood flow in the limbs.