Sabrina Ehrenfort Erica Bryant Toni Butler Riley Dienna Hannah Lyons Christopher MacDuffee Danielle Norris Alex Teigen Scott Ferguson
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
This study will test the hypothesis that 6 weeks of respiratory muscle training (RMT) will increase diaphragm muscle thickness, power, and aerobic exercise performance and that these effects will be g..
This study will test the hypothesis that 6 weeks of respiratory muscle training (RMT) will increase diaphragm muscle thickness, power, and aerobic exercise performance and that these effects will be greater when RMT is combined with dietary nitrate supplementation. Utilizing the K5 PowerBreathe device for RMT, participants will complete a six-week training protocol while incorporating nitrate supplementation to assess its impact on respiratory muscle strength (Sindex) and endurance exercise performance (VO2max). Pre- and post-intervention measurements will include diaphragm thickness assessed via ultrasound, Sindex, lung volume, maximal cycling power output, and VO2 max. VO2 max and maximal cycling power will be determined through a step-ramp-step bike test utilizing pulmonary gas exchange measurements. This investigation explores how RMT and nitrate intake influence respiratory muscle function and may enhance athletic performance. The findings are anticipated to contribute to a deeper understanding of cardiorespiratory health and performance enhancement strategies, with potential applications for athlete, operational, and clinical populations.
