Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Riley Dienna, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Riley Dienna
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Scott Ferguson
Abstract
The muscles involved in breathing, notably the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, play a role in determining the exercise capability of an individual. These muscles perform the work required for breathing, and as exercise intensity increases these muscles increase their activity to allow the respiratory system to meet the increased metabolic demands of exercise. Fatigue of these muscles reduces exercise tolerance and performance. In addition, the inflammation caused by acute maximal exercise is impacted by the level of training of the individual, and thus, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may impact the inflammation due to exercise. We will test the hypothesis that six weeks of IMT will result in hypertrophy of the diaphragm muscle, improve maximal exercise performance and attenuate the inflammatory response to exercise. Utilizing the K5 PowerBreathe device for IMT, participants will complete a six-week training protocol to assess its impact on peak inspiratory pressure (S-Index) and endurance exercise performance (VO2max). Pre- and post-intervention measurements will include diaphragm thickness assessed via ultrasound, S-Index, peak inspiratory flow (PIF), maximal cycling power output, and VO2 max. Immune activity will be analyzed via immune cell assays of phagocytic activity, reactive oxygen species generation, and leukocyte differential to determine the magnitude of inflammatory immune activity occurring. VO2 max and maximal cycling power will be determined through a step-ramp-step bike test with collections of pulmonary gas exchange measurements. This investigation explores how IMT influences respiratory muscle function and its implications in exercise tolerance and impacts on the inflammatory responses to exercise. The results of this investigation will contribute to a deeper understanding of cardiorespiratory and immune health and performance enhancement strategies, with potential applications for athlete, operational, and clinical populations.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Impact of Inspiratory Muscle Training on diaphragm hypertrophy, exercise performance, and immune response
The muscles involved in breathing, notably the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, play a role in determining the exercise capability of an individual. These muscles perform the work required for breathing, and as exercise intensity increases these muscles increase their activity to allow the respiratory system to meet the increased metabolic demands of exercise. Fatigue of these muscles reduces exercise tolerance and performance. In addition, the inflammation caused by acute maximal exercise is impacted by the level of training of the individual, and thus, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may impact the inflammation due to exercise. We will test the hypothesis that six weeks of IMT will result in hypertrophy of the diaphragm muscle, improve maximal exercise performance and attenuate the inflammatory response to exercise. Utilizing the K5 PowerBreathe device for IMT, participants will complete a six-week training protocol to assess its impact on peak inspiratory pressure (S-Index) and endurance exercise performance (VO2max). Pre- and post-intervention measurements will include diaphragm thickness assessed via ultrasound, S-Index, peak inspiratory flow (PIF), maximal cycling power output, and VO2 max. Immune activity will be analyzed via immune cell assays of phagocytic activity, reactive oxygen species generation, and leukocyte differential to determine the magnitude of inflammatory immune activity occurring. VO2 max and maximal cycling power will be determined through a step-ramp-step bike test with collections of pulmonary gas exchange measurements. This investigation explores how IMT influences respiratory muscle function and its implications in exercise tolerance and impacts on the inflammatory responses to exercise. The results of this investigation will contribute to a deeper understanding of cardiorespiratory and immune health and performance enhancement strategies, with potential applications for athlete, operational, and clinical populations.