Effect of the Airmax Internal Nasal Dilator on Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow, Aerobic Capacity, and Rating of Perceived Exertion in Healthy Rugby Players

Dinardi RR, Andrade CR, Ibiapina C. Effect of the Airmax Internal Nasal Dilator on Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow, Aerobic Capacity, and Rating of Perceived Exertion in Healthy Rugby Players. JEPonline 2017;20(1):92-101. Nasal dilators have been widely used by athletes to improve performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Airmax internal nasal dilator (IND) on the aerobic capacity (VO2 max), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of rugby players. We used a double-blind, crossover study in which 15 adult athletes were assessed while using and not using the IND during a maximum cardio-respiratory test, with experimental treatment presented in randomized order. PNIF was obtained and RPE was assessed. In relation to PNIF, the subjects using the IND showed significantly higher means than those not using the IND (180.7 ± 55.1 L·min vs. 160.7 ± 54.7 L·min, respectively) (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the VO2 max values or in RPE with or without the IND (P=0.106 and P=0.105, respectively). Thus, the findings indicate that the Airmax IND improves nasal patency, as measured by PNIF, in healthy rugby athletes, but does not increase VO2 max or RPE. New studies should be conducted to evaluate the effect of IND in adult athletes with nasal obstruction, perhaps also through the use of other cardiorespiratory assessment methods.