Major and Classification
Kinesiology
Faculty Mentor
Alberto F. Vallejo Ph.D. and E.Todd Schroeder Ph.D.
Department
Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
McNair Project
“Body Composition, BMI, and Weight Following 4 Weeks of Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) Using the Breathslim® Device”
Project Abstract
A device known as Breathslim® has been introduced to the market and claims to assist overweight individuals in healthy weight loss through Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT). Breathslim® claims that proper use of their machine increases oxygen saturation levels which in turn increases fatty acid utilization; reducing adipose tissue and total body weight. However, no published studies exist to substantiate this. In this study, we hypothesized that possible weight lost with Breathslim® is achieved through increased demand of the Respiratory Muscles (RM), which in turn leads to increased caloric expenditure. Study participants included 20-55 year old males and females. Using the PAR-Q and Sf-12 questionnaires, online training journal, and anthropometric measurements, we determined that the subjects were physically ready, lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle, and had a BMI of 25 or greater. All participants underwent a RMT program for four weeks using the Breathslim® device 20 minutes per day. Body composition measurements were taken at baseline, mid-study (4 weeks post-baseline), and post-study (12 weeks post-baseline). We found that at the end of four weeks of RMT there was no change in BMI, body composition, or weight in women or the group as a whole. However, the men experienced a small yet statistically non-significant change in body composition, BMI, and overall body weight. We conclude that, while the breathing device may have recruited the respiratory muscles (RM) to a greater degree than under normal respiration, it is probable that the women may have increased food intake that could have offset any possible weight loss. It is also probable that the small increase in body fat, BMI, and overall body weight experienced by males in the study could be attributed to a change in activity levels and food intake; both possibilities have yet to be analyzed by self-reported records of diet and activity level. To limit such influences on diet and activity level, future studies should have controls in place that will reinforce the idea that diet and activity level must remain constant throughout the study.