Issn Print: 0195-9131
Publication Date: 1996/05/01
EXERCISE RESPONSES USING THE BREATHE RIGHT EXTERNAL NASAL DILATOR418
M. S. Huffman; M. T. Huffman; D. D. Brown; J. C. Quindry; D. Q. Thomas
Excerpt
Within the last year the popularity of Breathe Right external nasal dilator, used as an enhancement device for athletic performance, has multiplied. The manufacturer implies that the use of their product benefits exercise performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the dilator on metabolic and respiratory responses during exercise. Five subjects performed 3 separate maximal cycle ergometer exercise tests to volitional exhaustion on separate days. The three randomized exercise tests were: a Breathe Right condition, a placebo condition (flesh colored tape), and a blank condition. Subjects were blinded as to the purpose of the study by telling them that 2 different nasal dilator strips were being tested. Additionally, the tape and dilator were applied while the subject's eyes were closed. Open circuit spirometry was used to collect the metabolic and respiratory data continuously throughout the exercise tests. Data were collected using a full-face Survivair fireman's mask which was modified to accommodate a two way breathing valve. A one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) was used to analyze the data with the following results obtained:Table
Additionally, after the completion of the exercise bouts, each subject was asked to select which condition (dilator or tape) they preferred, two chose the placebo, one chose Breathe Right, and two had no preference. Since no significant differences were found between conditions and since no apparent personal perference was evident, it was concluded that the Breathe Right nasal dilators do not enhance exercise performance.
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