Article Text
Abstract
This case study describes the support given to a British elite athlete in the build up to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. The athlete had complained of breathing symptoms during high intensity training that led to a reduction in performance and premature cessation of training. Following a negative eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea challenge and observation during high intensity exercise the athlete was diagnosed with inspiratory stridor (IS). Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) was implemented to attenuate the IS. Following a 11 week IMT training programme the athlete demonstrated a 31% increase in mouth inspiratory pressure and a reduction in recovery between high intensity sprints. The athlete reported a precipitous fall in determined symptoms and was able to complete high intensity training symptom free. This case demonstrates IMT is a suitable, cost-effective intervention for athletes who present with IS.
- Breathing Technique
- Elite Athletes
- Exercise Induced Asthma
- False Positive diagnosis
- Olympic Games