The effects of respiratory-muscle training on exercise in older women.
This research examined the effects of respiratory-muscle (RM) training on RM function and exercise performance in older women. Twenty-six women (60-69 yr of age) were assessed for spirometry, RM strength (maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure), inspiratory-muscle endurance, and walking performance to a perceived exertion rating of "hard." They were randomly allocated to a threshold RM training group (RMT) or a nonexercising control group (CON) for 8 wk.After training, the 22% (inspiratory) and 30% (expiratory) improvements in RM strength in the RMT group were significantly higher than in the CON group (p < .05). The RMT group also displayed several significant performance improvements, including improved within-group treadmill performance time (12%) and reductions in submaximal heart rate (5%), percentage of maximum voluntary ventilation (16%), and perceived exertion for breathing (8%). RM training appears to improve RM function in older women. Furthermore, these improvements appear to be related to improved submaximal exercise performance.
Watsford
Mark
M
School of Leisure, Sport and Tourism, University of Technology, Sydney, Lindfield, New South Wales, Australia.
Murphy
Arona
A
D000368:Aged; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D012137:Respiratory System; D013147:Spirometry; D016138:Walking