A new variable inspiratory muscle loading technology

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is becoming more popular in sporting populations as contentious issues associated with the magnitude of its effect as an ergogenic training aid are gradually dispelled. The authors believe that the efficacy of IMT can be further improved through development of the loading technologies. The basis for this belief is that current IMT stimuli do not simulate the demands placed upon the inspiratory muscles during exercise. We identify the design and initial trialling of a new, variable IMT technology, whereby the load throughout an inspiration can be adjusted to fit the dynamic pressure generating capacity of an individual. This should enable the exploration of high specificity in terms of inspiratory muscle loading as a possible means of further enhancing athletic performance. The new technology consists of a high-speed occlusion valve and control system that applies independent, sequential point loads to an inspiration. Manipulation of these point loads provides a fully variable loading profile. Twelve healthy adult male subjects participated in a feasibility study involving constant load, moderate intensity exercise in the presence of the load. The resulting data have been used to develop future recommendations for application and advancement of the technology.