Inspiratory Muscle Training Program Using the PowerBreath(®): Does It Have Ergogenic Potential for Respiratory and/or Athletic Performance? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide scientific evidence regarding the effects of training on respiratory muscle training’s impact with the PowerBreath(®). A systematic analysis based on the PRISMA guides and a conducted research structured around the bases of Web of Science, Scopus, Medline/PubMed, SciELO y Cochrane Library Plus. Six articles published before January 2021 were included. The documentation and quantification of heterogeneity in every meta-analysis were directed through Cochran’s Q test and the statistic I(2); additionally, a biased publication analysis was made using funnel plots, whose asymmetry was quantified Egger’s regression. The methodological quality was assessed through McMaster’s. PowerBreath(®) administering a ≥ 15% resistive load of the maximum inspiratory pressure (PIM) achieves significant improvements (54%) in said pressure within 4 weeks of commencing the inspiratory muscle training. The maximal volume of oxygen (VO(2)max) considerable enhancements was achieved from the 6 weeks associated with the maximum inspiratory pressure ≥ 21.5% post inspiratory muscle training onwards. Conversely, a significant blood lactate concentration decrement occurred from the 4th week of inspiratory muscle training, after a maximum inspiratory pressure ≥ 6.8% increment. PowerBreath(®) is a useful device to stimulate sport performance and increase pulmonary function.