Respiratory Muscle Strength as a Predictor of VO2max and Aerobic Endurance in Competitive Athletes

This study explores the association of respiratory muscle strength with aerobic endurance kinetics among athletes, with a specific focus on maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max). Previous research has elucidated the complex interactions between respiratory and skeletal muscles during exercise, highlighting the critical role of efficient respiration in maximizing athletic performance. The interplay between active skeletal muscles and respiratory muscles, especially the influence of respiratory muscle fatigue on exercise capacity, is well-documented. High-intensity exercise has been shown to activate the respiratory muscle metaboreflex, which can restrict blood flow to working muscles, thereby impacting the energy required for respiration. A total of 41 athletes, drawn from the disciplines of biathlon, judo, and cross-country, participated in this study. Respiratory function tests (RFTs) were administered to assess various respiratory parameters, including changes in chest circumference. Additionally, maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) and heart rate were measured during a treadmill test. To explore the associations between VO2max and ventilatory parameters—namely, ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂)—as well as respiratory metrics, linear regression analysis was employed. Based on the standardized regression coefficients (β), it was found that maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) (mean ± SD: 130.95 ± 42.82) and inspiratory diaphragmatic circumference values were significantly associated with VE, VO₂, and VCO₂. Conversely, the other predictor variables did not exhibit a significant effect on VE (mean ± SD: 134.80 ± 36.69), VO₂ (mean ± SD: 3877.52 ± 868.47 mL), and VCO₂ (mean ± SD: 4301.27 ± 1001.07 mL). Similarly, measurements of chest circumference (mean ± SD: 91.40 ± 10.72 cm), MEP, and diaphragmatic circumference during inspiration (mean ± SD: 95.20 ± 10.21 cm) were significantly associated with VO₂max (mean ± SD: 58.52 ± 10.74 mL/kg/min), while the remaining predictor variables did not demonstrate a significant effect on VO₂max. Additionally, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the combined effects of respiratory muscle strength and ventilatory factors on VO₂max. The model, which included interaction terms, explained 89.9% of the variance in VO₂max (R² = 0.899, adjusted R² = 0.859). Significant interactions were found between MIP and VE (B = −0.084, p = 0.006), as well as MEP and VE (B = 0.072, p = 0.012). These findings suggest that respiratory muscle strength plays a more substantial role in determining VO₂max in individuals with higher ventilatory efficiency, highlighting the importance of both respiratory strength and breathing efficiency in aerobic performance. Our findings underscore the importance of considering respiratory muscle strength in assessing and enhancing athletes’ aerobic performance. Integrating objective measurements such as maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure assessments into routine performance evaluations allows coaches and sports scientists to monitor changes in respiratory function over time and adjust training protocols accordingly.