LEVEL OF RESPIRATORY MUSCLE ACTIVATION IN SWIMMERS IN HYPOXIC AND NORMOXIC CONDITIONS

Abstract

Aims: The main objective of the study was to diagnose the level of intra-abdominal pressure activity in swimmers under hypoxic and normoxic conditions and to determine the prevalence of lower back pain in a sample of swimmers compared to a group of non-swimmers.
Method: The activity of intra-abdominal pressure was tested using the Ohmbelt sensor. A hypoxic tent was used for testing. In addition to the Ohmbelt test, the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was utilized.

The Sample: The research included 50 participants, with 25 children in the swimmer group and 25 in the control group.            
Results: Swimmers showed higher measured values in both positions under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The mean value in the first position under normoxic conditions for swimmers was 186.60 ± 75.62 g, and in the second position, it was 388.40 ± 122.33 g. Under hypoxic conditions, the mean value in the first position was 183.60 ± 95.08 g, and in the second position, it was 386.80 ± 135.76 g. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found between the groups in favor of the swimmers in both positions.  
Conclusion: Swimmers exhibited higher intra-abdominal pressure activity, suggesting that swimming training positively influences intra-abdominal pressure values compared to non-swimmers.