Author(s): SIKORA, M., ZEBROWSKA, A., SIATKOWSKI, S., LAKOMY, O., Institution: AWF KATOWICE, Country: POLAND, Abstract-ID: 1267

INTRODUCTION:
Respiratory training is increasingly used to enhance ventilatory efficiency and performance, even in healthy individuals. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) primarily targets respiratory muscle strength, whereas breathing retraining methods such as the Buteyko Breathing Method (BBM) may influence airway mechanics and ventilatory control through different physiological pathways. However, direct comparisons using both spirometry and oscillometry in healthy populations remain limited. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of IMT and BBM on respiratory mechanics and muscle function in young healthy adults.
METHODS:
Forty-four healthy young adults were randomly assigned to IMT or BBM and completed a six-week training program. Spirometry, forced oscillation technique, and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were assessed before and after the intervention. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate group and time effects, with significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
No baseline differences were observed between groups. IMT significantly increased maximal inspiratory pressure (p = 0.001) and maximal expiratory pressure (p = 0.015), with moderate to large effect sizes. Improvements were also observed in FEV1 (p = 0.001) and FEV1 percent predicted (p < 0.001). In addition, IMT reduced inspiratory and expiratory airway resistance at low and high oscillation frequencies (p values ranging from 0.014 to 0.001).

BBM significantly increased vital capacity (p = 0.003) and VC percent predicted (p = 0.020), and improved mid-expiratory flow (p = 0.036). BBM also reduced respiratory reactance at 5 Hz (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001), suggesting improved lung tissue mechanics. No significant changes in respiratory muscle strength were observed in the BBM group.
CONCLUSION:
Both IMT and BBM improved respiratory function in healthy young adults, although via distinct mechanisms. IMT primarily enhanced respiratory muscle strength and reduced airway resistance, indicating improved inspiratory efficiency and bronchial mechanics. In contrast, BBM appeared to improve lung volume and tissue-related mechanical properties without affecting muscle strength. These findings highlight different adaptive pathways of respiratory training and support the use of oscillometry to differentiate airway and parenchymal adaptations in healthy populations.