Review on Respiratory Muscle Training in Soccer Players

Abstract

It was previously thought that the respiratory system did not limit physical work capacities in healthy subjects. However, it has been established that it is a limiting factor for performance. In the last decade, the training of the respiratory muscles has been investigated as a method that could attenuate different limitations during exercise. We aimed to review the existing literature on the effect of EMR / EMI in soccer players, evaluating whether the results obtained justify its implementation and observing its possible benefits at a physiological level. A review was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases. Six articles were obtained that worked with soccer players. The results indicate a significant improvement in PIM for the EXP groups, where there were increases between 14% and 61% after 2 to 8 weeks of training. Likewise, there was an improvement in exercise tolerance, as well as an attenuation of RPE and blood lactate. MR training appears to be efficient in delaying the onset of the metabolic reflex, helping to maintain oxygenation of the players' leg muscles over time, preventing a decrease in performance.