Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) — breathing in against resistance — has been studied in athletes and healthy adults for more than twenty years. Here's what some of the published research on the method has reported. These studies did not test Stillhale.
Pooling controlled trials in healthy people, the authors reported that respiratory muscle training improved endurance exercise performance, with larger effects in less-fit participants and in longer-duration events.
Illi SK, Held U, Frank I, Spengler CM. Effect of respiratory muscle training on exercise performance in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2012;42(8):707–724.
Find on PubMedIn athletes, the review reported that respiratory muscle training was associated with improved sport performance, with the most consistent effects on endurance outcomes.
HajGhanbari B, Yamabayashi C, Buna TR, et al. Effects of respiratory muscle training on performance in athletes: a systematic review with meta-analyses. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(6):1643–1663.
Find on PubMedTrained cyclists who completed six weeks of inspiratory muscle training improved their 20 km and 40 km time-trial performance compared with a placebo group, according to the authors.
Romer LM, McConnell AK, Jones DA. Effects of inspiratory muscle training on time-trial performance in trained cyclists. J Sports Sci. 2002;20(7):547–562.
Find on PubMedCompetitive rowers who trained their inspiratory muscles improved rowing performance measures compared with a placebo-trained group, the study reported.
Volianitis S, McConnell AK, Koutedakis Y, McNaughton L, Backx K, Jones DA. Inspiratory muscle training improves rowing performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;33(5):803–809.
Find on PubMedThe studies above examined respiratory and inspiratory muscle training in general, using dedicated training devices and specific training protocols. They were not conducted on Stillhale and are not evidence that Stillhale will produce the same results. Findings are summarised; individual results vary. Stillhale is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you have a heart or lung condition, are pregnant, or have any health concerns, speak to your GP before starting breathing training.
Stillhale puts the principle in your pocket.
Breathing against adjustable resistance — the idea behind IMT — in a small, mechanical trainer built for everyday use.
