Effect of respiratory muscle strengthening with breathing exercises on Ventilatory functions, aerobic fitness and their association with performance in elite rowers

Abstract ObjectiveRowing is one of the most physically demanding endurance sports requiring high levels of ventilation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RMT on ventilatory parameters, aerobic fitness and rowing ergometer performance among 20 professional rowers (experimental (n = 11) and control (n = 9) aged 20–35 years in Sri Lanka.ResultsRowers in the experimental group were prescribed a RMT program comprising of breathing exercises while control group was prescribed a general exercise program for a 12 weeks. There were significant improvements in PIF, FVC, and VO2maxin the experimental group after 12-weeks (p < 0.05) while only VO2 max improved non-significantly in the control group (p > 0.05).Compared to the control, PIF improved significantly in the experimental group (p < 0.05). The rowers in the experimental group with higher PIF and VO2max performed better at 2000 m and 5000 m ergometer whereas in the control group, only VO2max was associated with better performance in 5000 m ergometer. This suggests that the RMT program had a significant effect in improving some ventilatory parameters and VO2max of the rowers resulting in better performance.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials UMIN000040345, 08/05/2020. “Retrospectively registered”