Aim: To test the hypothesis that the maximal inspiratory muscle (IM) performance, as assessed by the maximal IM pressure-flow relationship, is enhanced with the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC).
Methods: Maximal inspiratory flow-pressure curves were measured in 12 healthy volunteers (35 +/- 6 years) during maximal single efforts through a range of graded resistors (4-, 6-, and 8-mm diameter orifices), against an occluded airway, and with a minimal load (wide-open resistor). Maximal inspiratory efforts were initiated at a volume near residual lung volume (RV). The subjects exhaled to RV using slow (S) or fast (F) manoeuvres. With the S manoeuvre, they exhaled slowly to RV and held the breath at RV for about 4 s prior to maximal inspiration. With the F manoeuvre, they exhaled rapidly to RV and immediately inhaled maximally without a post-expiratory hold; a strategy designed to enhance inspiratory pressure via the SSC.
Results: The maximal inspiratory pressure-flow relationship was linear with the S and F manoeuvres (r2 = 0.88 for S and r2 = 0.88 for F manoeuvre, P < 0.0005 in all subjects). With the F manoeuvre, the pressure-flow relationship shifted to the right in a parallel fashion and the calculated maximal power increased by approximately 10% (P < 0.05) over that calculated with the S manoeuvre.
Conclusion: The maximal inspiratory pressure-flow capacity can be enhanced with SSC manoeuvres in a manner analogous to increases in the force-velocity relationship with SSC reported for skeletal muscles.