Sports performance in athletes can be limited by respiratory factors, so it is understandable
to propose that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can improve respiratory function and exercise
performance. Power-Breathe® (PwB) is a sectorized respiratory muscle training tool that uses a
resistive load to train IMT. There is currently a growing interest in respiratory muscle training,
so we set out to systematically assess the effects of IMT with PwB on respiratory parameters and
athletic performance in physically active, healthy adults. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items
for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, the Cochrane and PEDro scales to
assess methodological quality, effect size using the Rosenthal formula, and the Cochrane tool for
estimation of risk of bias, studies searchable in Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane. In addition,
for the performance of the meta-analysis, the documentation and quantification of the heterogeneity
in each meta-analysis were directed through the Cochran’s Q test and the I2 statistic; in addition, a
publication bias analysis was performed using funnel plots. Of the total of 241 studies identified
in the search, 11 studies for the systematic review and nine for the meta-analysis met the exclusion
and/or inclusion criteria. IMT, with PwB, showed significant improvements in maximal inspiratory
pressure (MIP) and substantial improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC) in the meta-analysis results. Also, sports performance was significantly increased by IMT with PwB. In conclusion, the
use of PwB is an IMT tool that improves respiratory and sports performance.
