Functional inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improves load carriage performance greater than traditional IMT techniques: 1652 Board #305 June 2, 9: 00 AM - 10: 30 AM.

Abstract

The addition of external thoracic loads is common in occupational groups such as the military. The positioning upon the thorax poses a unique challenge to breathing mechanics and causes respiratory muscle fatigue (RMF) following exercise. IMT techniques provide a positive impact to exercise performance as well as attenuating RMF in both health and athletic populations. However in occupational groups, despite increased inspiratory muscle strength and performance, IMT has so far failed to attenuate RMF, potentially limiting the performance enhancement of IMT. It has been suggested that functional inspiratory muscle training (IMTF) may elicit performance adaptations above that of traditional IMT techniques as it targets the inspiratory muscles throughout the length-tension range adopted during exercise.