Evaluation of a training intervention: Does nasal breathing improve performance?

We take a dive into the nasal passage (pun intended?) and look at whether there are performance gains that can be obtained by employing nose breathing techniques. This ended up leading to a discussion around how we can evaluate training interventions and make decisions on whether they’re worth implementing for ourselves and our athletes.

Episode Timestamps:
2:30 How do we normally breathe during exercise?
8:25 What are the claimed benefits of nose breathing over mouth breathing?
9:15 Are we getting too much oxygen?
21:15 What do the studies show?
29:25 What level of evidence do you require to apply an intervention?
38:30 If it’s free and easy, should you try it anyway?
46:55 How much does air intake affect endurance performance?
55:10 But the nose is a filter and humidifier, does that help?

Episode References:
Video: Oxygen - Haemoglobin Dissociation Curve Explainer

Oronasal Distribution of Ventilation at Different Ages

The switching point from nasal to oronasal breathing

Effects of Nasal or Oral Breathing on Anaerobic Power Output and Metabolic Responses

Effect of Nasal Versus Oral Breathing on Vo2max and Physiological Economy in Recreational Runners Following an Extended Period Spent Using Nasally Restricted Breathing

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Co-hosts:
Jason Boynton, Ph.D. - sport scientist and cycling coach
boyntoncoaching.com

Cyrus Monk - professional cyclist and cycling coach 
cyclistscientist.com

Damian Ruse - professional cycling coach
semiprocycling.com

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