Abstract
Introduction
Respiratory muscle training (RMT) is applied by athletes and in patients with respiratory muscle dysfunction. Yet it is unknown which respiratory muscle groups are mainly activated by RMT.
Objective
This study aimed at evaluating three RMT methods (Inspiratory Threshold Loading [POWERbreathe] (ITL), Targeted Resistive Breathing [RespiFit S] (TRB), Normocapnic Hyperpnoea [SpiroTiger] (NH)) with regard to their electromyographic (EMG) activation of three specific inspiratory muscle groups (M. sternocleidomastoideus (EMGsterno), 2nd intercostal parasternal muscles (EMGpara), Diaphragm (EMGdi)) in healthy subjects.
Methods
EMG recordings were analyzed as their RootMeanSquare (RMS) at the end of each randomized training session and normalized using the peak EMG recorded during maximum inspiratory maneuvers (Sniff nasal pressure: SnPna, maximal inspiratory mouth occlusion pressure: PImax) and expressed as EMG%max.
Main Results
41 subjects were included. Recordings for EMGsterno and EMGpara were higher in ITL and NH than for TRB (p<0.05). EMGdi was higher applying ITL compared to TRB or NH (p<0.05).
Conclusion
ITL, TRB and NH differ in their activation of inspiratory respiratory muscles. Whereas all methods mainly stimulate accessory respiratory muscles, diaphragm activation was predominantly increased by ITL.
- © 2013 ERS