Improvement of the aerobic performance in endurance athletes presenting nasal valve compromise with the application of an internal nasal dilator

Abstract

Purpose: We investigated the effects of an internal nasal dilator on nasal airflow and cardio-respiratory capacity in adult endurance athletes, while performing controlled exhaustive physical exercise.

Methods: Prospective observational study. Participants were 38 adult endurance athletes, 23 with and 15 without nasal valve compromise. Nasal patency was objectively evaluated with anterior rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximum pulmonary ventilation, time to exhaustion and total time of nasal respiration were recorded during a submaximal treadmill test. Dyspnea intensity and fatigue perception were evaluated using a labeled visual analog scale. All assessments were performed with and without the application of the internal nasal dilator.

Results: All the parameters related to aerobic capacity were significantly reduced in the group of athletes with nasal valve compromise (p. <0.05 for all variables). The internal nasal dilator improved statistically significantly the nasal patency (p. <0.001), VO2max and aerobic performance and self-rating of dyspnea and fatigue (p. <0.05 for all parameters) only in athletes with nasal obstruction. PNIF correlated significantly with VO2max (rho = 0.4, p. <0.05).

Conclusions: Internal nasal dilation improves nasal patency and aerobic performance during submaximal exercise in adult endurance athletes with nasal obstruction symptoms due to nasal valve compromise.

Keywords: Aerobic performance; Athletes; Cardio-respiratory capacity; Internal nasal dilator; Nasal obstruction; Nasal patency.