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Respiratory health is pivotal for overall well-being. Our respiratory system plays a vital role in supplying oxygen to all parts of our body and removing carbon dioxide. Any problems related to respiratory functions can impact other bodily functions as well. While taking care of respiratory health through balanced diet, exercise and avoiding pollution is important, respiratory trainers have emerged as effective tools to strengthen this critical system.
What are Respiratory Trainers?
A respiratory trainer, also known as a respiratory muscle trainer, is a device that is used to strengthen the muscles involved in breathing. The core function of these trainers is to provide resistance during inhalation and exhalation, thereby making breathing an effective workout for lungs and associated muscles. Different types of respiratory trainers are available in the market that offer varied levels of resistance through certain mechanisms.
Benefits of Respiratory Training
Regular training with a respiratory muscle trainer leads to numerous health benefits. Some of the key advantages are:
Improved Lung Capacity
By working against resistance during breaths, the respiratory muscles are made to function more dynamically. This enhances lung capacity over time. Deeper breaths help in exchanging more air and improving oxygenation.
Stronger Diaphragm and Intercostal muscles
The diaphragm and intercostal muscles are the prime movers behind breathing. Respiratory training places focused load on these muscles, making them stronger and more efficient. Stronger breathing muscles support better ventilation.
Enhanced Cardiovascular Function
Research shows respiratory muscle training lowers heart rate and lowers blood pressure. It improves the body’s oxygen use leading to enhanced cardiovascular function and endurance.
Better Exercise Performance
With sturdier breathing apparatus, the body can extract and utilize oxygen more competently during physical activity. This directly translates to improved sports performance and cardiovascular endurance.
Management of Respiratory Issues
Regular respiratory muscle training helps mitigate symptoms in conditions like asthma, COPD or chest infections by boosting lung recruitment and airway clearance. It aids rehabilitation after surgery.
Mental Benefits
Deep breathing is relaxing and de-stressing. Respiratory workouts induce the relaxation response and have anti-anxiety effects by regulating stress hormones and heart rate variability.
Types of Respiratory Trainers
Some commonly used respiratory trainers are:
1. Threshold IMT: It provides inspiratory resistance through adjustable valves. Resistance increases with inhalation depth to work the lungs optimally.
2. PowerBreathe: A popular hand-held device that offers calibrated inspiratory and expiratory resistance through an adjustable resistance valve. Resistance levels promote effective training.
3. VariFree: An inspiratory muscle trainer that uses the pressure-flow principle to provide graded, proportional resistance during inhalation based on breathing effort.
4. Airofit: An innovative flow-controlled respiratory exerciser that utilizes the Venturi effect to create adjustable resistance during both inhalation and exhalation through a resistance cartridge.
5. Acoustic Trainers: These devices compare user’s breathing sounds to a target respiratory pattern using acoustics. Visual/audio feedback enables optimizing breathing skills through a game-like experience.
How to use a Respiratory Trainer Effectively
While anyone can benefit from respiratory training, it is best to consult a doctor or respiratory therapist before starting, especially if one has existing respiratory issues. Here are some general tips on effective usage:
– Start with lowest resistance and short durations, gradually increasing over weeks as tolerance builds.
– Breathe through your mouth, keeping lips sealed around the mouthpiece.
– Take long, slow breaths – 5 seconds in, 5 seconds out daily for 10-15 mins divided over 3 sessions is recommended.
– Monitor breathing using a smartphone app or built-in features for feedback on timing, flow, volume.
– Rest for a minute between sets if feeling fatigued. Drink water and stay hydrated.
– Add resistance only after getting comfortable with the current level over a week with no discomfort.
– Be consistent to gain maximum benefits. Adjust routine as per medical advice.
Benefits of respiratory training are vast for longevity, physical and mental well-being. With a proven device and disciplined practice, it is a simple self-care regimen that pays rich dividends to respiratory and overall health. Consult experts to pick the right trainer and optimize your breathing workouts for best results.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
