Effect of inspiratory muscle training in runners: an integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36453/cefe.2026.36520Keywords:
Running, Respiratory muscles, ExerciseAbstract
BACKGROUND: Running is a sport that is continuously growing and stands out as one of the most accessible forms of athletics.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in runners, considering its impact on inspiratory muscle strength, respiratory endurance, and athletic performance.
METHODS: This integrative review searched the PubMed®, SciELO®, and BVS® databases using the descriptors running, respiratory muscles, and training. Studies published between 2005 and 2025 were included. The following data were collected: author and year of publication, study objectives, number of runners included, mean age, prevalence of sexes, mean body mass index (BMI) of runners, main study results, pre- and post-IMT maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), number of training sessions, percentage of load/intensity defined for IMT, and number of training repetitions.
RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were identified, of which eight were included. A total of 138 runners were included, 84.1% male, with a mean age of 22.13 years and a mean BMI of 21.86 kg/m². Seven of the eight studies were with amateur runners (87.5%). All studies used the PowerBreathe® device for IMT. There was a mean increase of 29.63 cmH2O in MIP after IMT. The mean number of sessions was 51, the mean load was 41.5% of MIP, and the mean number of repetitions was 25.
CONCLUSION: IMT was effective in increasing inspiratory muscle strength and increasing respiratory endurance. However, none of the included studies evaluated outcomes related to athletic performance in runners.
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