Effects of glossopharyngeal pistoning for lung insufflation in elite swimmers.

PURPOSE

To investigate whether sessions of glossopharyngeal pistoning (GP) to lung volumes exceeding maximum inspiratory capacity in a group of extremely well-trained elite swimmers would affect maximum lung volumes and buoyancies.

METHODS

Ten female and 16 male swimmers performed GP four times a week for 5 wk in addition to their regular swimming training program. Pulmonary function, chest expansion, hydrostatic weights (maximally inhaled and exhaled), and body composition (relative amounts of fat, bone, muscle, and fat-free tissue) were measured.

RESULTS

Training compliance was 79% for the males and 82% for the females. Chest expansion increased significantly during the training period, by 1.0 cm and by 0.8 cm at the level of the xiphiod and the fourth costae for the males, and by 0.6 cm and 0.8 cm for the females. The buoyancy lifting force increased significantly by 0.17 and 0.37 kg for the males and the females, respectively. The females also increased their vital capacity significantly by 2%. No significant changes in body composition took place in either group.

CONCLUSION

The lung volumes and buoyancies of swimmers can be increased by sessions of GP.