Inspiratory Muscle Training in Cyclical Sports Modalities: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Inspiratory muscle training has been shown to positively impact the performance of acyclic sports, however a review
has not been carried out that presents these same changes in cyclic sports. This systematic review aimed to determine the effect of Inspiratory muscle training in cyclic sports and identify the impact on aerobic capacity, respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function. An advanced search was conducted in the databases of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, ScienceDirect, OXFORD, LILACS, Taylor & Francis Group, Springer, and SciELO, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Of 15,710 studies identified, twelve of them met eligibility criteria for the final review. Showing significant improvements in expiratory flow during forced expiration from maximum inspiration, Maximum
Inspiratory Pressure and in maximum forced expiratory volume in the first second, as they were evaluated before
and after training. Additionally, significant changes were evident in those groups that used resistance devices than those that did not use any device or placebo. In conclusion, inspiratory muscle training with a minimum of four weeks of training, at least six days a week and if accompanied by strengthening the core muscles, supports positive effects on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and aerobic capacity endurance in cyclic sports.