Breathing Resistance Devices

I recently found out during respirology tests that I have a condition known as Cirrhosis which is an auto immune condition that has led to scaring of my lungs, I suspect I had this for most of my adult life. The respirologist was surprised to learn that I have been an endurance athlete most of my adult life with respectable running times in the 15/32 for 5K and 10K and many Kona slots. I have always had lung symptoms which I attributed to exercise induced asthama.

The Dr recomended lung exercises as I have imparied lung tital volume and suggested using an inexpensive resistence device. I had thought that these devices were purely ineffective but he suggested not and directed me to the long term benefits of these devices. Here is one of the conclusions:

“There is good evidence that respiratory muscle training can improve exercise performance in healthy subjects, respiratory symptoms in some patient populations”.

Here is the study and a link to a favorable article by respected researchers Alex Hutchinson

Snake oil.
The lungs are not muscles (the diaphragm is a muscle).
Find a new doctor.

Alex Hutchinson is hardly a “respected researcher” he’s a journalist for Outside magazine…a rag not exactly known for its scientific rigor. Mostly filled with junk.

Saying it doesn’t make it true. In fact, also stated in the article:

“the question as to whether training status mediates the efficacy of RMT remains unresolved.”

Here’s the evidence on IMST….

Study

There’s also another study on how IMST can improve sleep too.

Also, anecdotally, runners who swim regularly always notice an improvement in their running. They routinely report to me that their breathing feels easier.

Hope this helps,

Tim

He didn’t say the lungs were muscles. He said respiratory muscles ie intercostals and diaphragm.