{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,11]],"date-time":"2026-03-11T21:39:34Z","timestamp":1773265174472,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":52,"publisher":"Frontiers Media SA","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,11]],"date-time":"2026-03-11T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1773187200000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["frontiersin.org"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Front. Physiol."],"abstract":"<jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Objective<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining inspiratory muscle resistance training (IMT) with lower limb resistance training on cardiopulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in military academy cadets.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Methods<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>Sixty non-commissioned officer cadets (aged 18\u201322 years) from the Army Engineering University were recruited and randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Both groups underwent a 12-week intervention including baseline aerobic running. The control group performed IMT alone, while the experimental group performed IMT combined with specific lower limb resistance exercises. Respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) metrics, and static pulmonary function were assessed pre- and post-intervention.<\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Results<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>\n                      Following the 12-week intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in respiratory muscle strength and cardiopulmonary function. Notably, the experimental group exhibited significantly greater enhancements in maximal oxygen uptake (VO\n                      <jats:sub>2<\/jats:sub>\n                      max) and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) compared to the control group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No significant changes were observed in static pulmonary function indices (SVC, FVC, FEV\n                      <jats:sub>1<\/jats:sub>\n                      , MVV) for either group, likely due to the participants\u2019 high baseline fitness.\n                    <\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>\n                  <jats:sec>\n                    <jats:title>Conclusion<\/jats:title>\n                    <jats:p>\n                      While IMT is effective for improving respiratory efficiency, its combination with lower limb resistance training yields synergistic effects, leading to superior improvements in VO\n                      <jats:sub>2<\/jats:sub>\n                      max and inspiratory muscle strength. This combined modality offers a scientifically grounded strategy to optimize the physical readiness and combat capability of military personnel.\n                    <\/jats:p>\n                  <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.3389\/fphys.2026.1766008","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,11]],"date-time":"2026-03-11T05:35:22Z","timestamp":1773207322000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Combined inspiratory muscle and lower limb resistance training enhances cardiopulmonary function in military personnel"],"prefix":"10.3389","volume":"17","author":[{"given":"Xiaolong","family":"Ma","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"PLA Army Engineering University","place":["Shijiazhuang, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Houyuan","family":"Zhu","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Jimei University","place":["Xiamen, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Jingqi","family":"Tao","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"PLA Army Engineering University","place":["Shijiazhuang, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Mingming","family":"Jian","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"PLA Army Engineering University","place":["Shijiazhuang, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Shaoqi","family":"Huang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"PLA Army Engineering University","place":["Shijiazhuang, China"]}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1965","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,11]]},"reference":[{"key":"B1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.12965\/jer.1836518.259","article-title":"The relationship between peripheral muscle strength and respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength in athletes","volume":"15","author":"Akinoglu","year":"2019","journal-title":"J. Exerc Rehabil."},{"key":"B2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2601","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph17072601","article-title":"Effects of aerobic-anaerobic-and combined-based exercises on plasma oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy untrained young adults","volume":"17","author":"Ammar","year":"2020","journal-title":"Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health"},{"key":"B3","first-page":"29","article-title":"The effects of respiratory muscle training on VO2max, the ventilatory threshold and pulmonary function","volume":"5","author":"Amonette","year":"2002","journal-title":"J. Exerc. Physiology"},{"key":"B4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"771","DOI":"10.1080\/02640414.2017.1340659","article-title":"Effects of inspiratory muscle training in professional women football players: a randomized sham-controlled trial","volume":"36","author":"Archiza","year":"2018","journal-title":"J. Sports Sci."},{"key":"B5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2020","DOI":"10.1152\/jappl.1986.60.6.2020","article-title":"A new method for detecting anaerobic threshold by gas exchange","volume":"60","author":"Beaver","year":"1986","journal-title":"J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"B6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"50","DOI":"10.1016\/j.resp.2014.02.014","article-title":"Determinants of inspiratory muscle strength in healthy humans","volume":"196","author":"Brown","year":"2014","journal-title":"Respir. Physiol. Neurobiol."},{"key":"B7","article-title":"Pressure threshold inspiratory muscle training improves submaximal cycling performance","volume-title":"Proceedings of the third annual conference of the european college of sport science, F, 1998","author":"Caine","year":"1998"},{"key":"B8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"72","DOI":"10.3390\/medicina57010072","article-title":"Effects of 4-Week inspiratory muscle training on sport performance in college 800-Meter track runners","volume":"57","author":"Chang","year":"2021","journal-title":"Med. Kaunas."},{"key":"B9","volume-title":"NASM essentials of personal fitness training","author":"Clark","year":"2008"},{"key":"B10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e49","DOI":"10.1097\/j.pbj.0000000000000049","article-title":"The effect of inspiratory muscle training on swimming performance, inspiratory muscle strength, lung function, and perceived breathlessness in elite swimmers: a randomized controlled trial","volume":"4","author":"Cunha","year":"2019","journal-title":"Porto Biomed. J."},{"key":"B11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"137","DOI":"10.1016\/j.resp.2006.08.006","article-title":"Effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise responses in normoxia and hypoxia","volume":"156","author":"Downey","year":"2007","journal-title":"Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports"},{"key":"B12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"345","DOI":"10.1093\/ptj\/86.3.345","article-title":"Effect of high-intensity inspiratory muscle training on lung volumes, diaphragm thickness, and exercise capacity in subjects who are healthy","volume":"86","author":"Enright","year":"2006","journal-title":"Phys. Ther."},{"key":"B13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"50","DOI":"10.1007\/s00421-004-1044-2","article-title":"The effects of different inspiratory muscle training intensities on exercising heart rate and perceived exertion","volume":"92","author":"Gething","year":"2004","journal-title":"Eur. J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"B14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1643","DOI":"10.1519\/JSC.0b013e318269f73f","article-title":"Effects of respiratory muscle training on performance in athletes: a systematic review with meta-analyses","volume":"27","author":"Hajghanbari","year":"2013","journal-title":"J. Strength Cond. Res."},{"key":"B15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"609","DOI":"10.1152\/jappl.1998.85.2.609","article-title":"Effects of respiratory muscle work on cardiac output and its distribution during maximal exercise","volume":"85","author":"Harms","year":"1985","journal-title":"J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"B16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"689","DOI":"10.1053\/rmed.2000.0802","article-title":"Maximal inspiratory mouth pressures (PIMAX) in healthy subjects--what is the lower limit of normal?","volume":"94","author":"Hautmann","year":"2000","journal-title":"Respir. Med."},{"key":"B17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1125","DOI":"10.7205\/milmed-d-12-00143","article-title":"Mission essential fitness: comparison of functional circuit training to traditional army physical training for active duty military","volume":"177","author":"Heinrich","year":"2012","journal-title":"Mil. Med."},{"key":"B18","first-page":"45","article-title":"Application effect of respiratory muscle group training combined with limb rehabilitation training in patients with hemiplegia after stroke","volume":"3","author":"Hu","year":"2022","journal-title":"Reflexol Rehabil. Med."},{"key":"B19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"707","DOI":"10.1007\/BF03262290","article-title":"Effect of respiratory muscle training on exercise performance in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"42","author":"Illi","year":"2012","journal-title":"Sports Med."},{"key":"B20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"424","DOI":"10.1093\/ptj\/83.5.424","article-title":"Comparison of the oxygen cost of breathing exercises and spontaneous breathing in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease","volume":"83","author":"Jones","year":"2003","journal-title":"Phys. Ther."},{"key":"B21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"767","DOI":"10.1007\/s00421-016-3527-3","article-title":"Effect of the flexibility training performed immediately before resistance training on muscle hypertrophy, maximum strength and flexibility","volume":"117","author":"Junior","year":"2017","journal-title":"Eur. J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"B22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"493","DOI":"10.1055\/s-2007-972884","article-title":"Respiratory muscle fatigue after an ultra-marathon measured as inspiratory task failure","volume":"17","author":"Ker","year":"1996","journal-title":"Int. J. Sports Med."},{"key":"B23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"505","DOI":"10.1007\/s00421-009-1228-x","article-title":"Inspiratory muscle training improves 100 and 200 m swimming performance","volume":"108","author":"Kilding","year":"2010","journal-title":"Eur. J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"B24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"445","DOI":"10.4161\/auto.19496","article-title":"Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy","volume":"8","author":"Klionsky","year":"2012","journal-title":"Autophagy"},{"key":"B25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"S107","DOI":"10.1519\/JSC.0b013e31825d8263","article-title":"Strength training for the warfighter","volume":"26","author":"Kraemer","year":"2012","journal-title":"J. Strength Cond. Res."},{"key":"B26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1457019","DOI":"10.3389\/fphys.2024.1457019","article-title":"Influence of an inspiratory muscle fatigue protocol on healthy youths on respiratory muscle strength and heart rate variability. A randomized controlled trial","volume":"15","author":"Ladri\u00f1\u00e1n-Maestro","year":"","journal-title":"Front. Physiol."},{"key":"B27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s12967-024-05555-3","article-title":"Influence of an inspiratory muscle fatigue protocol on healthy youths on respiratory muscle strength, vertical jump performance and muscle oxygen saturation: a randomized controlled trial","volume":"22","author":"Ladri\u00f1\u00e1n-Maestro","year":"","journal-title":"J. Transl. Med."},{"key":"B28","first-page":"38","article-title":"Effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise respiratory function under normoxic and hypoxic conditions","author":"Liu","year":"2007","journal-title":"China Sport Sci."},{"key":"B29","first-page":"1063","article-title":"Effects of lower limb robot training combined with respiratory training on pulmonary function and exercise endurance in stroke patients","volume":"37","author":"Liu","year":"2022","journal-title":"Chin. J. Rehabil. Med."},{"key":"B30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"821","DOI":"10.1152\/jappl.1982.52.4.821","article-title":"Respiratory muscle fatigue after marathon running","volume":"52","author":"Loke","year":"1982","journal-title":"J. Appl. Physiol. Respir. Environ. Exerc Physiol."},{"key":"B31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0279473","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0279473","article-title":"New reference values for maximum respiratory pressures in healthy Brazilian children following guidelines recommendations: a regional study","volume":"17","author":"Marcelino","year":"2022","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"B32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"R891","DOI":"10.1152\/ajpregu.00167.2019","article-title":"Effects of inspiratory muscle-training intensity on cardiovascular control in amateur cyclists","volume":"317","author":"Martins","year":"2019","journal-title":"Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol."},{"key":"B33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"284","DOI":"10.1055\/s-2004-815827","article-title":"Respiratory muscle training in healthy humans: resolving the controversy","volume":"25","author":"Mcconnell","year":"2004","journal-title":"Int. J. Sports Med."},{"key":"B34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3937","DOI":"10.1242\/jeb.205.24.3937","article-title":"Hyperpnea training attenuates peripheral chemosensitivity and improves cycling endurance","volume":"205","author":"Mcmahon","year":"2002","journal-title":"J. Exp. Biol."},{"key":"B35","unstructured":"Use of powerbreathe\u00ae in inspiratory muscle training for athletes: systematic review\n          \n          \n            \n              Nepomuceno J\u00fanior\n              B. R. V.\n            \n            \n              G\u00f3mez\n              T. B.\n            \n            \n              Gomes Neto\n              M. J. F. E. M.\n            \n          \n          \n          2016"},{"key":"B36","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"85","DOI":"10.1046\/j.1365-201X.2002.00975.x","article-title":"Central and peripheral cardiovascular adaptations to exercise in endurance-trained children","volume":"175","author":"Nottin","year":"2002","journal-title":"Acta Physiol. Scand."},{"key":"B37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1186\/s13102-020-00172-1","article-title":"Effect of inspiratory muscle-loaded exercise training on peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory response during incremental exercise under normoxia and hypoxia","volume":"12","author":"Ogawa","year":"2020","journal-title":"BMC Sports Sci. Med. Rehabil."},{"key":"B38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"43","DOI":"10.1155\/2014\/982374","article-title":"Reference values for maximal inspiratory pressure: a systematic review","volume":"21","author":"Pessoa","year":"2014","journal-title":"Can. Respir. J."},{"key":"B39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1636","DOI":"10.4187\/respcare.04818","article-title":"Maximum inspiratory pressure is a discriminator of pneumonia in individuals with spinal-cord injury","volume":"61","author":"Raab","year":"2016","journal-title":"Respir. Care"},{"key":"B40","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"748","DOI":"10.1378\/chest.120.3.748","article-title":"Inspiratory muscle training in patients with COPD: effect on dyspnea, exercise performance, and quality of life","volume":"120","author":"Riera","year":"2001","journal-title":"Chest"},{"key":"B41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"879","DOI":"10.1152\/japplphysiol.01157.2007","article-title":"Exercise-induced respiratory muscle fatigue: implications for performance","volume":"104","author":"Romer","year":"1985","journal-title":"J. Appl. Physiol."},{"key":"B42","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1295","DOI":"10.1080\/02640410802104904","article-title":"Changes in respiratory muscle and lung function following marathon running in man","volume":"26","author":"Ross","year":"2008","journal-title":"J. Sports Sci."},{"key":"B43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1321","DOI":"10.4187\/002013209793800458","article-title":"Performance of maximum inspiratory pressure tests and maximum inspiratory pressure reference equations for 4 race\/ethnic groups","volume":"54","author":"Sachs","year":"2009","journal-title":"Respir. Care"},{"key":"B44","first-page":"173","article-title":"Feasibility study of 8-week inspiratory muscle resistance training to improve aerobic exercise capacity in young men","volume":"41","author":"Shuai","year":"2022","journal-title":"Chin. J. Sports Med."},{"key":"B45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1333","DOI":"10.1519\/JSC.0b013e3181da85bf","article-title":"The influence of strength, flexibility, and simultaneous training on flexibility and strength gains","volume":"25","author":"Sim\u00e3o","year":"2011","journal-title":"J. Strength Cond. Res."},{"key":"B46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"533","DOI":"10.1164\/ajrccm\/145.3.533","article-title":"Respiratory muscle training in chronic airflow limitation: a meta-analysis","volume":"145","author":"Smith","year":"1992","journal-title":"Am. Rev. Respir. Dis."},{"key":"B47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"977","DOI":"10.7205\/milmed-d-04-6408","article-title":"Does respiratory muscle training increase physical performance?","volume":"174","author":"Sperlich","year":"2009","journal-title":"Mil. Med."},{"key":"B48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"803","DOI":"10.1097\/00005768-200105000-00020","article-title":"Inspiratory muscle training improves rowing performance","volume":"33","author":"Volianitis","year":"2001","journal-title":"Med. Science Sports Exercise"},{"key":"B49","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1008","DOI":"10.12669\/pjms.39.4.6918","article-title":"Clinical efficacy of breathing training combined with core stability training in chronic nonspecific low back pain","volume":"39","author":"Yu","year":"2023","journal-title":"Pak J. Med. Sci."},{"key":"B50","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e53","DOI":"10.1016\/j.rehab.2016.07.121","article-title":"High intensity interval training combined to resistance training improve physiological capacities, strength and quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis","volume":"59","author":"Zaenker","year":"2016","journal-title":"Eur. J. Phys. Rehabil. Med."},{"key":"B51","first-page":"8","article-title":"Effect of baduanjin combined with breathing training on cardiopulmonary function in elderly patients with chronic heart failure","volume":"18","author":"Zhao","year":"2020","journal-title":"Chin. J. Geriatr. Care"},{"key":"B52","first-page":"659","article-title":"Chinese expert consensus on the assessment and monitoring of exercise-related cardiovascular event risks","volume":"37","author":"Zhao","year":"2022","journal-title":"Chin. Circ. J."}],"container-title":["Frontiers in Physiology"],"original-title":[],"link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fphys.2026.1766008\/full","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,11]],"date-time":"2026-03-11T05:35:24Z","timestamp":1773207324000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fphys.2026.1766008\/full"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,11]]},"references-count":52,"alternative-id":["10.3389\/fphys.2026.1766008"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fphys.2026.1766008","relation":{},"ISSN":["1664-042X"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1664-042X","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,11]]},"article-number":"1766008"}}