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

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]