The efficiency of respiratory muscle strengthening training programs in pilots.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficiency of respiratory muscle training programs in pilots.


METHODS
Twenty-four male pilots were divided into two groups. The training group (12 pilots) underwent respiratory strengthening training programs besides routine physical exercises. The other 12 pilots in the control group only did routine physical exercises, but the training time was the same in these two groups. Before and after training programs in the two groups, the respiratory muscle functions were examined.


RESULTS
24 pilots in these two groups completed training programs within four weeks. The pilots in the training group got improvement of respiratory muscle functions which was much better than those of the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
It suggests that the strengthening training programs of respiratory muscles can improve and strengthen the respiratory muscle functions in pilots.
Ji
S
S
General Hospital of PLA Air Force, Beijing.
Gao
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000502:physiology*