Respiratory muscle training (RMT) is becoming increasingly accepted as an ergogenic and therapeutic aid to performance athletes and the general population, respectively. However, the acute benefits of RMT are less frequently reported. A new proprietary techno-logy has made it possible to load the thorax through a garment (RespiVest, Canterbury of New Zealand Ltd & Progressive Sports Technologies Ltd) that can be worn during exercise, providing an IMT Stimulus. Methods: Twelve recreationally active males (24 ± 3 yrs, 81.3 ± 7.1 kg, 1.80 ± 0.1 m; mean ± SD) took part in a randomised cross over study. Wearing RespiVest (RV-IMT) or control garment, participants exercised at 100 W for 10 min on a rowing ergometer (Concept II, USA). For the final 5 min, 6x5 sec high-intensity sprints were performed separated by 1 min 100 W recovery bouts. Pre and post exercise, an indirect measure of inspiratory muscle strength; maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) at residual volume, was obtained using an MIP device (Chest Scientific, UK). Lung function (flow-volume loops) values were obtained using static spirometry (Super spiro, Micro Medical, UK). Heart rate was monitored constantly throughout the exercise protocol. Results: A RV-IMT warm-up significantly increased maximal inspiratory pressure (8.1 ± 2.0%; mean ± SE; P < 0.01) post-exercise. After using control, maximal inspiratory pressure was reduced (-2.0 ± 2.6%). No other differences in lung function parameters pre and post exercise were seen between RV-IMT and control. Conclusion: These data suggest that inspiratory muscle strength can be enhanced using RV-IMT during short duration, low intensity whole body exercise. In addition this was more effective than using a control garment. RespiVest may therefore be useful in facilitating optimal warm-up preparations by providing a respiratory warm-up effect similar to the one present in locomotive muscles.
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