Respiratory Muscle Activity During Simultaneous Stationary Cycling and Inspiratory Muscle Training.

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) strengthens the muscles of respiration, improves breathing efficiency, and increases fitness. The IMT is generally performed independently of aerobic exercise; however, it is not clear whether there is added benefit of performing the IMT while simultaneously performing aerobic exercise in terms of activating and strengthening inspiratory muscles. The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of IMT on respiratory muscle electromyography (EMG) activity during stationary cycling in the upright and drops postures as compared with that when the IMT was performed alone.

The effects of stretching on performance.

Stretching long has been commonplace in the training programs of recreational and competitive athletes. Its role in performance enhancement has been debated. This review discusses the literature concerning the effects of static, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on performance in three categories of sporting activity: strength- and power-dominant, speed- and agility-dominant, and endurance-dominant activities.