Development of the Respiratory Capacity of Vocal Professionals and Wind Instrumentalists Using the Respiratory Threshold Device

Abstract

During singing, inspiration and expiration are determined by muscular activity wich involves significant specific physical effort. Objectives: The respiratory muscle training aim to improve respiratory flow, increase respiratory muscle efficiency and decrease
ventilatory work. Methods: The study subjects were 22 young musicians, divided into two groups; one group performed training with a threshold device, for 8 weeks, while the other carried out their daily activities. Subjects underwent spirometric tests VC, FVC, FEV1,
FEV1/FVC, PEF, FEV6 at the beginning and end of each session; the collected data were processed by interpreting pulmonary function results and flow measurements. Results: The following variables showed significant differences: FVC – 10.7%, FEV1 – 11.3%, PEF –
2.9%, and FEV6 – 11%. Conclusions: This experiment can demonstrate that the acute effect of training with a respiratory threshold device results in a significant increase in flow utilization during singing and a greater increase in the parameters of lung function.