Mengelkock, L. J., & Dunlevy, C. (2001). Effect of nasal dilator strips on maximal aerobic exercise performance in endurance athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 336.

The effects of repeated use of nasal dilator strips on aerobic function in maximal treadmill exercise were investigated. College athletes (M = 6; F = 6) and healthy untrained students (M = 6; F = 6) served as Ss.

There was no effect on Vemax but there was a significant interaction effect between training status and VO2max. Trained athletes improved when using the strips but untrained athletes did not. There was no gender difference in the responses.

Implication. Trained runners marginally improved their aerobic function when using nasal strips. [One should not conclude that these benefits will carry-over into performance.]

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