Here is some exciting new information and technology for improving performance through training of the respiratory muscles.
The metabolic demands of the diaphragm and respiratory muscles during exercise at extreme intensities actually draws energy away from the muscles required to perform the task at hand. There are a number of devices on the market that claim to improve respiratory muscle strength and lung volume. One of these devices was developed in Switzerland, by engineers looking to help athletes train their respiratory system. The company that developed this device is called Idiag ( SpiroTiger website ).

This unit, called a Spiro-Tiger Sport, provides a number of ways of training the respiratory system, a key component to improving performance. What the Spiro-Tiger is able to do is help an athlete train strength, power, endurance and coordination of the diaphragm and respiratory muscles. No other device on the market has the versatility to train endurance in addition to muscular strength and coordination.

Studies initially performed on patients with chronic lung disease showed dramatic improvements in exercise tolerance and delayed time to fatigue. These studies have now been repeated in healthy individuals and athletes, showing similar results.

Members of the Italian Olympic Gold Medal cross country relay team used the Spiro-Tiger for three months prior to competing in Turin. As well, members of the Phonak cycling team, including Canadian mountain bike stars Ryder Hejsdal and Geoff Kabush have been training with the Spiro-Tiger this year with incredible results.

In the past, it was assumed that physical endurance and performance were primarily limited by the heart and the cardiovascular system; in part also by the muscular system. This is why it was believed that the respiratory system did not impair the functional capacity since it was assumed that it had sufficient reserves.

The targeted endurance training of the respiratory muscles, however, does substantially increase physical endurance, resulting in a relevant increase of functional capacity. This is true both for top athletes as well as popular sports.

It is due to this fact that the SpiroTiger® has effectively and sustainably convinced more than 1000 users in less than a year's time. Used by Elite athletes Ryder Hesjedal, Geoff Kabush, George Hincapie and many more.

Design and Function

The unique endurance training device for respiratory training consists of a hand held unit with a respiratory pouch and a basic station.  The easy to operate monitoring electronics allow you to train safely and in a targeted manner.  In case of regular training, measurable results will be achieved in a matter of a few weeks. Contact FaCT Okanagan for more information.