Effects of rhythmic forced exhalation and inhalation isometric endurance

Abstract

Introduction. Sport climbing has been officially approved as an Olympic sport for Tokyo Olympics 2020. Climbing demands a lot of isometric strength and endurance. Studies have suggested that breathing rhythm increases isometric strength, however its effects on isometric endurance has yet been explored. Climbers may benefit from ways to improve their isometric endurance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of rhythmic forced exhalation and inhalation on isometric endurance. Methods. 10 male students were recruited to perform three trials of a lat pulldown isometric endurance test over three sessions in a random crossover manner where they were randomly selected to perform the test under three conditions: 1) ventilating at their own rhythm, 2) at a two second inhale one second hold two second exhale rhythm, 3) at a four second inhale one second hold four second exhale rhythm. Average test timing was recorded and compared between conditions using one-way ANOVA. Results. The analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference in average timing between the three conditions (F(2, 2.049)= .033, p=.968). Conclusion. The data collected suggested that the rhythm of ventilation does not affect isometric endurance while doing a lat pulldown.