Dynamics of ventilation parameters at different load intensities and the options to influence it by a breathing exercise

BACKGROUND: Minimizing the energy required for breathing muscles is based on the adaptation of the respiratory muscles which is reflected in the reduction of breathing frequency (BF) and tidal volume (V-T) increase. This may be influenced through a targeted BE and the quality of breathing may be linked to endurance performance. Aim of this study was assess dynamic ventilation parameters at different load intensities and their changes due to the systematic breathing exercise (BE). METHODS: Study recruit 36 runners of both sexes with a mean age 16.8 +/- 1.6 years. A random distribution was performed. The intervention program consisted of a set of BE aimed at the activation of the diaphragm. We monitored the dynamics of ventilation parameters at intensities 2, 3, 4 W/kg during a stepped test on a bicycle ergometer. RESULTS: The BE was focused on the activation of the diaphragm for a 12.2 +/- 3.6 minutes per day, sixteen weeks. After eight weeks, there were significant changes in V-T and BF (P<0.05). After sixteen weeks there was a significant increase in V-T of 5.7-18.3% (P<0.01), depending on the load level, BF values decreased significantly by 5.4-14.4% (P<0.01). V-E and VO2 values were without changes. There were no significant changes in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: It was confirmed that the two-month BE intervention focused on the activation of the diaphragm is sufficient and resulted in a significant change in the values of dynamic ventilation parameters. After four months of intervention, the changes are significantly greater compared with values found after a two-month intervention period.