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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-1 vs. 160.7 ± 54.7 L·min-1, 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Nasal dilators are being developed for the purpose of increasing air flow in the nasal valve. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of the internal nasal dilator (IND) by adolescent athletes. Methods A double-blind, crossover clinical trial in which we evaluated 54 adolescents using experimental and placebo INDs, submitted to a cardio-respiratory test in randomized order. The predicted values for the peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) were obtained and the intensity of dyspnea was evaluated using the visual analog scale method after the race. Results In relation to PNIF (% predicted), when participants used the experimental IND, significantly higher means were found in comparison with the placebo (104.27 ± 24.67 L/min and 97.73 ± 25.61 L/min, respectively) ( p = 0.010). There were no significant differences observed in terms of heart rate (HR), pulse oximetry (SpO 2 ) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max), before and after the cardio-respiratory test. There was also no significant difference ( p > 0.05) between the use of experimental and placebo INDs on dyspnea scale measurements after completion of the cardio-respiratory test. Conclusion Results suggested that the Airmax ® IND improves nasal patency, as measured by PNIF, in healthy adolescent athletes. There was no statistically significant difference in the values for heart rate and SpO 2. There was also no difference between the conditions tested for the mean VO 2 max. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the effect of IND in adolescent athletes with chronic diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, and also using other cardio-respiratory assessment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]