Hanel, B., & Secher, N. H. (1991). Maximal oxygen uptake and work capacity after inspiratory muscle training: A controlled study. Journal of Sports Sciences, 9, 43-52.

The effect of inspiratory muscle training for 10-min, twice per day, for 27.5 days was evaluated. Ss were divided into a training group (N = 10) and a "sham" training group.

Increased maximal inspiratory pressure, and a slight decrease in breathing frequency, were observed in the training group but not in the control. There were no changes in VO2max, ventilation during maximal exercise, peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume in one second, or for vital capacity in either group. Maximum distance run increased by 8% in the training group and 6% in the sham group.

Implication. Inspiratory muscle training does not improve many physiological factors or endurance performance.

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