A preliminary exploration of the regression equation for performance in amateur half-marathon runners: a perspective based on respiratory muscle function

This document presents a study on the relationship between physical characteristics, respiratory muscle capacity, and performance in amateur half-marathon runners. The aim of this study was to establish a preliminary predictive model to provide insights into training and health management for runners. Participants were recruited from the 2023 Beijing Olympic Forest Park Half-Marathon, comprising 233 individuals. Personal information including age, gender, height, weight, and other relevant factors were collected, and standardized testing methods were used to measure various parameters. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between gender, height, weight, maximum expiratory pressure, maximal inspiratory pressure, and half-marathon performance. Several regression equations were developed to estimate the performance of amateur marathon runners, with a focus on gender, weight, maximum expiratory pressure, and height as predictive factors. The study found that respiratory muscle training can delay muscle fatigue and improve athletic performance. Evaluating the level of respiratory muscle capacity in marathon athletes is crucial for defining the potential speed limitations and achieving optimal performance. The information from this study can assist amateur runners in optimizing their training methods and maintaining their physical wellbeing.

Respiratory Muscle Function in Older Adults with Chronic Respiratory Diseases after Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Subterranean Salt Chambers

Training the respiratory muscles is a crucial aspect of pulmonary rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to assess the function of respiratory muscles in older adults both before and after a period of pulmonary rehabilitation and treatment stay within the underground chambers of a salt mine. A total of 50 patients aged 65 years and older with chronic respiratory conditions was enrolled in the study. These participants underwent a 3-week subterranean pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program in the "Wieliczka" Salt Mine. Levels of sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured using the MicroRPM both before and after the outpatient PR program conducted 135 m underground. A total of 44 patients with a mean age of 68.8 ± 2.9 years who completed the PR program and tests were included in the analysis. The average changes in the parameters of pulmonary function before and after the PR were: MIP 8.8 cmH2O, MEP 7.1 cmH2O, and SNIP 11.2 cmH2O (for p < 0.05). For patients older than 70 years, beneficial changes were only observed for MEP, which increased by 9.3 cmH2O (for p < 0.05). Speleotherapy combined with pulmonary rehabilitation improves respiratory muscle function in older adults with chronic respiratory diseases, mainly in terms of MEP. Therefore, a greater emphasis on inspiratory muscle training in the rehabilitation program should be considered.

Expiratory Muscle Strength Training in Multiple System Atrophy: A Pilot Study

Background

The effects of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) has not yet been investigated in MSA patients.

Objective

The primary objective was to test the effects of EMST on expiratory muscle strength and voluntary peak cough flow (vPCF) in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). The secondary objective was to assess the suitability of the pulmonary dysfunction index as a tool for identifying MSA patients with expiratory muscle weakness and reduced voluntary peak cough flow.

Methods

This was an open label, non-controlled study, with an 8-week intensive home-based EMST protocol. The outcome measures included: maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and vPCF. The sensitivity and specificity of the index of pulmonary dysfunction in the respiratory diagnostic process were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Fifteen MSA patients were enrolled in the study. Twelve MSA patients completed the training period. After the training period, MEP significantly increased (P = 0.006). Differences in vPCF were not significant (P = 0.845). ROC analysis indicated that the overall respiratory diagnostic accuracy of the index of pulmonary dysfunction had an outstanding capability to detect patients at risk of less effective coughing and an acceptable capability of detecting patients with decreased expiratory muscle strength.

Conclusions

These findings indicate non-significant differences in vPCF after 8 weeks of EMST. The index of pulmonary dysfunction appears to be a promising prognostic screening tool for identifying altered cough efficacy in MSA patients. Test cut-offs may be used to select an appropriate respiratory physiotherapy technique.

Patterns of Changes in Respiratory Muscle Strength over 1 Year in Non-Sarcopenia, Sarcopenia, and Severe Sarcopenia

In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, we explored the characteristics of older people with lower respiratory muscle strength, according to sarcopenia severity, over the course of 1 year. The maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass index of 58 participants (28 men, 30 women; mean age, 76.9 ± 7.7 years) were measured at baseline and at the 1-year follow-up. Participants were classified into a decreased MEP group (n = 29; MEP decreased by ≥10% after 1 year) and a non-decreased MEP group (n = 29; MEP decreased by <10%). Sarcopenia status in the mild direction at baseline was significantly associated with MEP decline after one year. Repeated two-way analysis of variance showed significant main effects of measurement time (p < 0.001) and severity of sarcopenia (p = 0.026), as well as a significant interaction effect (p = 0.006). Surprisingly, MEP decreased significantly in the non-sarcopenia and sarcopenia groups, but not in the severe sarcopenia group. Thus, individuals without sarcopenia and those with moderate sarcopenia at baseline are predisposed to MEP decline and should be closely monitored for signs of such decline and associated adverse events.

The Influence of Surgical Correction of Idiopathic Scoliosis on the Function of Respiratory Muscles

Background and objective: It is important to introduce respiratory exercises to the therapy of patients after the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Surgical correction is the best way to prevent hypoxia in scoliosis, but whether pulmonary rehabilitation increases the effectiveness of scoliosis surgery has not yet been confirmed. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the function of respiratory muscles after surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: The study involved 24 patients, aged 13.6 ± 0.6. Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured using the Mikro RPM. In all patients, before the procedure, 7 days after and 3 months after the procedure, the MIP and MEP were measured. Results: MIP was the lowest 7 days after the procedure; it was 45.28 cmH2O and was statistically significantly lower compared to the measurement before the procedure (p < 0.001) and 3 months after the procedure (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The degree of curvature of the spine before the procedure does not significantly affect initial values of the strength of respiratory muscles. The level of MIP is not dependent on the type of surgery.

Correlation between Lung Function and Functional Movement in Healthy Adults

It is difficult to determine whether lung function improves by simple abdominal strengthening exercises, and studies on the correlation of lung function and functional movement are insufficient. Therefore; we aimed to identify the correlation between lung function and functional movement. We recruited 204 healthy adults and measured their forced vital capacity; forced expiratory volume in 1 s, maximum voluntary ventilation, maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). We also extracted data obtained during functional movements. Differences between lung function and functional movement by gender were determined using independent sample t-tests, while the relationship between lung function and functional movement variables were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Significant gender-based differences between lung function and functional movement, a negative correlation between MIP and inline lunge, and a significantly positive correlation between MIP and trunk stability push-up occurred in males. In females, a positive correlation occurred between MEP and hurdle step, MIP and deep squat, and MIP and hurdle step. Aspects of lung function (MEP and MIP) showed correlations with functional movements. The results showed that lung function and functional movement were correlated, confirming that there is a relationship between lung function and functional movement in healthy adults.

The Efficacy of Therapeutic Respiratory Muscle Training Interventions in People with Bronchiectasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Respiratory muscle dysfunction is an important health problem with high morbidity and mortality and associated costs in patients with bronchiectasis (BC). The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of therapeutic respiratory muscle training (RMT) interventions on improving sputum clearance, ventilator function, muscle strength and functional capacity in BC. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Two independent investigators searched using several electronic databases. The methodological quality of nine studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Study selection/eligibility criteria: The following were included: randomised controlled trials, randomised crossover trials and pilot studies of patients with BC that used the intervention as RMT (inspiratory/expiratory) and evaluations of respiratory muscle strength (maximal expiratory pressure/maximal inspiratory pressure). This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017075101). Nine studies were included, five of which obtained an A recommendation grade, three with B, and one with C. Study quality was poor to good (mean PEDro Score of 6.375 out of 10). Studies had small sample sizes (8–98). Results show improvements on PImax in favour of therapeutic respiratory muscle training intervention (MD = 6.08; 95% CI = 1.38, 10.77; p < 0.01; I² = 92%). However, high heterogeneity was identified on meta-analysis.

Expiratory muscle strength training improves swallowing and respiratory outcomes in people with dysphagia: A systematic review

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of expiratory muscle strength training on communication and swallowing outcomes in adults with acquired motor based communication and/or swallowing difficulties of any aetiology.

METHOD

A systematic review was conducted. Six databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPEECHBYTE, AMED and PUBMED) were searched from inception until end of May 2016. Randomised and non-randomised controlled studies and pre-test/post-test studies published in English that investigated the effects of expiratory muscle strength training were included. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Data were analysed descriptively and effect sizes and associated 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULT

Seven articles reporting data from five studies were included. Preliminary data suggests expiratory muscle strength training improved airway safety during swallowing in people with dysphagia and increased the strength of the expiratory muscles in all patient groups. There was little evidence to suggest changes in communication outcomes after expiratory muscle strength training.

CONCLUSION

Speech-language pathologists might consider using expiratory muscle strength training to improve airway safety in adults with swallowing disorders.

Functional outcomes associated with expiratory muscle strength training: narrative review

This review presents the available evidence for the effects of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) with the use of a pressure threshold device. The investigators used computerized database searches for studies reporting the outcomes of pressure threshold EMST published after 1994. A total of 24 selected articles presented outcomes related but not limited to respiratory function, such as speech, swallow, voice, and cough function in persons with neurologic conditions such as Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and Lance-Adams syndrome; in persons with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and in healthy young adults and sedentary and active elderly. Several studies demonstrated promising outcomes of EMST as a non-task-specific training for airway protection in persons with dysphagia secondary to neuromuscular impairments; however, further research is needed to confirm and generalize the reported findings.

Detraining outcomes with expiratory muscle strength training in Parkinson disease

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is efficacious for improving maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), cough function, and swallowing safety in Parkinson disease (PD). However, there are no published reports describing detraining effects following EMST in persons with PD. Moreover, there are no published reports describing detraining effects following any behavioral swallowing intervention. Ten participants with PD underwent 3 mo of detraining following EMST. Measures of MEP and swallowing safety were made prior to beginning EMST (baseline), posttreatment (predetraining), and 3 mo postdetraining. Participants demonstrated, on average, a 19% improvement in MEP from pre- to post-EMST. Following the 3 mo detraining period, MEP declined by 2% yet remained 17% above the baseline value. No statistically significant changes were found in swallowing safety from post-EMST to postdetraining period. Following the 3 mo detraining period, seven participants demonstrated no change in swallowing safety, one worsened, and two had improvements. This preliminary study highlights the need for the design of maintenance programs to sustain function following intensive periods of training.

Single- and multiple-set resistance training improves skeletal and respiratory muscle strength in elderly women

Introduction

Aging involves a progressive reduction of respiratory muscle strength as well as muscle strength.

Purpose

Compare the effects of resistance training volume on the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), functional performance, and muscle strength in elderly women.

Methods

Thirty elderly women were randomly assigned to a group performing either single sets (1-SET) or three sets (3-SET) of exercises. The sit-to-stand test, MIP, MEP, and muscle strength were assessed before and after 24 training sessions. Progressive resistance training was performed two times per week for a total of 8–12 repetitions, using the main muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs.

Results

The main results showed that the participants significantly increased their MEP (P<0.05; 1-SET: 34.6%; 3-SET: 35.8%) and MIP (P<0.05; 1-SET: 13.7%; 3-SET: 11.2%). Both groups also improved in the sit-to-stand test (P<0.05; 1-SET: 10.6%; 3-SET: 17.1%). After 24 training sessions, muscle strength also significantly increased (P<0.0001; 40%–80%) in both groups. An intergroup comparison did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups in any of the parameters analyzed.

Conclusion

Single- and multiple-set resistance training programs increased MIP, MEP, muscle strength, and sit-to-stand test performance in elderly women after 24 sessions of training. In conclusion, our results suggested that elderly women who are not in the habit of physical activity may start with single-set resistance training programs as a short-term strategy for the maintenance of health.

The acute effects of a single session of expiratory muscle strength training on blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation in healthy adults

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is a rehabilitative program that has been tested for outcomes related to respiratory muscle strength, cough, swallow, and voice function in healthy young adult, elderly individuals, and in patients with progressive neurodegenerative disease. Because EMST has been used in patient care, the associated cardiovascular responses during EMST are of importance. This study investigated the changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) during one session of EMST in healthy, young adults as a preliminary study of device safety. Thirty-one participants completed a single session of 25 trials with the EMST device. Valsalva maneuvers were performed at the beginning and at the end of the EMST trials for task comparison. The SBP, DBP, HR, and SpO(2) were recorded at the baseline and after completing the following tasks: a Valsalva maneuver, 12 trials using the EMST device, 13 trials using the EMST device, and 5 min of rest following the EMST session. A mixed linear model tested for changes across the six time points. The results indicated no significant change of SBP, DBP, HR, or SpO(2) during or following the EMST trials or after performing the Valsalva maneuver. The results suggest that EMST does not elicit significant fluctuations of blood pressure, HR, and SpO(2) in healthy young adults even when considering the effects of covariates on the outcomes measures.

Respiratory exercise program for elderly individuals with asthma

INTRODUCTION

Asthma in older adults is frequently underdiagnosed, as reflected by approximately 60% of asthma deaths occurring in people older than age 65.

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluates the effects of a respiratory exercise program tailored for elderly individuals with asthma. We are not aware of any other reports examining breathing exercises in this population.

METHODS

Fourteen patients concluded the 16-week respiratory exercise program. All the patients were evaluated with regard to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity, quality of life and clinical presentation.

RESULTS

After 16 weeks of this open-trial intervention, significant increases in maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure (27.6% and 20.54%, respectively) were demonstrated. Considerable improvement in quality of life was also observed. The clinical evaluations and daily recorded-symptoms diary also indicated significant improvements and fewer respiratory symptoms. A month after the exercises were discontinued, however, detraining was observed.

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, a respiratory exercise program increased muscle strength and was associated with a positive effect on patient health and quality of life. Therefore, a respiratory training program could be included in the therapeutic approach in older adults with asthma.