J Spinal Cord Med, 2008 · DOI: · Published: January 1, 2008
This study investigated whether respiratory resistance training (RRT) with a concurrent flow respiratory (CFR) device could improve breathing and exercise performance in wheelchair athletes. The researchers found that RRT improved the strength of the muscles used for breathing in, but it did not significantly change overall lung function or peak exercise ability. The study suggests that RRT might be a useful way to strengthen respiratory muscles in wheelchair athletes, but more research is needed to see if it improves their athletic performance.
RRT with a CFR device can be used to improve respiratory muscle strength, particularly inspiratory muscle strength, in wheelchair athletes.
Improvements in respiratory muscle strength may lead to improved functional independence and exercise performance in individuals with SCI.
Further studies are needed to explore the impact of RRT with CFR devices on exercise performance, other cardiopulmonary variables, and quality of life in wheelchair athletes.