Respiratory muscle strength training with nonrespiratory maneuvers

Abstract

The diaphragm and abdominal muscles can be recruited during nonrespiratory maneuvers. With these maneuvers, transdiaphragmatic pressures are elevated to levels that could potentially provide a strength-training stimulus. To determine whether repeated forceful nonrespiratory maneuvers strengthen the diaphragm, four healthy subjects performed sit-ups and biceps curls 3-4 days/wk for 16 wk and four subjects served as controls. The maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure was measured at baseline and after 16 wk of training. Maximum static inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures and diaphragm thickness derived from ultrasound were measured at baseline and 8 and 16 wk. After training, there were significant increases in diaphragm thickness [2.5 +/- 0.1 to 3.2 +/- 0.1 mm (mean +/- SD) (P < 0.001)], maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure [198 +/- 21 to 256 +/- 23 cmH2O (P < 0.02)], maximum static inspiratory pressure [134 +/- 22 to 171 +/- 16 cmH2O (P < 0.002)], maximum static expiratory pressure [195 +/- 20 to 267 +/- 40 cmH2O (P < 0.002)], and maximum gastric pressure [161 +/- 5 to 212 +/- 40 cmH2O (P < 0.03)]. These parameters were unchanged in the control group. We conclude that nonrespiratory maneuvers can strengthen the inspiratory and expiratory muscles in healthy individuals. Because diaphragm thickness increased with training, the increase in maximal pressures is unlikely due to a learning effect.

Effects of Abdominal Exercise on Respiratory Muscles and Pulmonary Function in Healthy Males

“…However, due to the limitation of devices, we failed to obtain other parameters such as total lung capacity, transdiaphragmatic pressure and diaphragm thickness, which are more specific to indicate respiratory muscle and pulmonary function. Studies have reported that respiratory muscle training significantly increase transdiaphragm pressure [10], diaphragm thickness and total lung capacity [24]. Future studies should include more sensitive measurements to obtain valid data.…”

“…Previous studies have suggested that abdominal exercises may not only improve abdominal muscle strength, but also affect the diaphragm and inspiratory muscles [9,12,13]. DePalo found that abdominal exercise significantly increases transdiaphragmatic pressure that results in an increase in PImax and PEmax in healthy adults [10]. Summerhill found that active elderly subjects have higher PEmax and PImax compared to those in sedentary subjects [16].…”

“…During strenuous physical activities, the abdominal muscles are facilitated, thereby increasing abdominal pressure. With such activities, the diaphragm is repeatedly involved; thus, the diaphragm strength can also be developed [10]. Thus, such non-respiratory maneuvers may have an effect on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle performance.…”

Effect of abdominal muscle training on respiratory muscle strength and forced expiratory flows in sedentary, healthy adolescents

“…sit-ups, may increase respiratory muscle strength. 11 In addition, it has been observed that abdominal muscle training protocols, both passive (based on electrical stimulation) 12,13 and active, may be effective to improve respiratory muscle strength and forced expiratory flows.…”

Capacidade funcional submáxima e força muscular respiratória entre idosas praticantes de hidroginástica e dança: um estudo comparativo

“…Ao realizar manobras que aumentam a pressão intra-abdominal, o diafragma é ativado para minimizar a transmissão de alta pressão intra-abominal ao tórax. 27,28 Contraditoriamente aos resultados encontrados no presente estudo, onde houve variação significativa apenas da PEmax, Summerhill et al 7 encontraram melhora tanto da PImax quanto da PEmax de idosos. Segundo os mesmos autores, os idosos ativos rotineiramente envolvidos em atividades vigorosas que elevavam a pressão intra-abdominal tendem a fortalecer tanto o diafragma quanto a musculatura abdominal.…”