Abstract:

Introduction: The efficacy of high and low intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in morbid obesity needs to be elucidated. Objective: To analyze the effects of high and low intensity training on the inspiratory muscle in morbidly obese individuals. Methods: 32 men were divided into two groups (G1 and G2). The assessments of dyspnea, pulmonary function test, PImax, DP and MD were performed in pre-training and after 12 weeks of training. Discussion: Training protocols in this study, with Power Breather® linear load resistors, have positive effects in these individuals both in high and low intensity, but with longer effects in high intensity IMT. Results: The G1 obtained a significant increase of the VVM, PImax, DP, MD and significant decrease in the MRCm in 12 weeks of training, which were maintained after 12 weeks without training. G2 presented the same behavior when compared to G1 at 12 weeks of training, but values returned to baseline in VVM, MRCm and MD, and the PImax and DP variables presented values below the initial evaluation after 12 weeks without training. In intergroup analysis (12-12 weeks), G1 presented higher values in VVM, PImax, DP and MD when compared to G2. In the comparison of 24-24 weeks, G2 presented lower values in VVM, PImax, DP and MD significant increases in MRCm when compared to G1. Conclusion: High and low intensity IMT provided beneficial effects to individuals, which were maintained after 12 weeks of high intensity training.

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