Gemma Cox Jenna Baxter, Michelle Lock, Charlotte Mock, Vicky Phillips and Sandy Thomas
UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND Bristol Bsc (Hons) PHYSIOTHERAPY April 2008
Abstract Objectives: Nasal breathing is advocated for asthmatics to reduce symptoms of exercise induced asthma (EIA) however the effects on exercise tolerance are relatively unknown. This study will provide baseline data into the effects of nasal breathing on exercise tolerance using healthy participants. Design: A preliminary experimental within-subject design. Setting: St. Matthias Gymnasium, University of the West of England, Bristol. Participants: Twelve voluntary undergraduate students (8 males and 4 females, mean age 22.75 years) free from asthma. Method: Participants completed the 20m Multi-stage Shuttle Test (MST) on two separate occasions, once nasal and once oral-nasal breathing with the order being randomised. Outcome measures: Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was measured for exercise tolerance, calculated from number of shuttles reached. Subsidiary measures of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), oxygen saturation of arterial blood (SaO2,) respiratory rate (RR), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and the Borg perceived rate of exertion. Results: Exercise tolerance was significantly lower with nasal breathing when compared to oral-nasal breathing (p
