EFFECTS OF HIGH-INTENSITY INSPIRATORY MUSCLE TRAINING IN RUGBY PLAYERS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Rugby is a sport characterized by high and low intensity motor action. Therefore, the respiratory muscles need adequate work to maintain sustained effective breathing. Objective: To analyze the effects of high-intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in amateur rugby players from the city of Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: This is a clinical study in which 20 amateur players underwent a pulmonary function test, respiratory muscle strength and physical capacity assessment. The participants were divided into two groups: 10 volunteers in the IMT group (G1) and 10 in the control group (G2). All the assessments were carried out before and after 12 weeks of IMT. Results: No significant changes were observed in the pulmonary function test. However, maximal voluntary ventilation, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure and distance increased significantly after IMT. Conclusion: IMT had beneficial effects on amateur rugby players. Level of evidence I; Therapeutic studies - Investigation of treatment results.