ORLANDO, Fla. -- Athletes who wear a nasal strip thinking it will increase their air intake and improve their performance are fooling themselves, a new study by exercise science researchers at the University at Buffalo shows.

Thirteen subjects at UB performed two progressive exercise tests on a cycle ergometer while the researchers measured air flow, nasal ventilation and nasal resistance under two conditions -- wearing a nasal strip across the nostrils, as recommended by the manufacturer, and wearing the strip over the nasal bone, an incorrect and ineffectual placement that served as a control.

Results showed that the properly placed nasal strip had no effect on breathing during intense exercise and didn't improve exercise performance.

Results of the study were presented here today (June 5, 1998) at the American College of Sports Medicine meeting.

"A lot of athletes are wearing nasal strips, and most aren't wearing them where recommended," said Frank Cerny, Ph.D., professor and chair of UB Department of Physical Therapy, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. "We wanted to see if the strips, when worn correctly, have any effect at this level of performance. The answer is, they don't."

The strips are designed to hold the nostrils open. They make breathing through the nose easier during low or moderate activity, such as a slow jog or leisurely bicycling, but not at high levels of exercise where enhanced performance is desired, Cerny said.

The study was based on the existence of a physiological condition called the "switch point," the moment at which a person performing a high-intensity task -- such as an athlete chasing a hockey puck or going out for a pass -- changes from breathing through the nose to breathing through the mouth as the demand for oxygen increases. A nasal strip would have to extend an athlete's time to switch point beyond that reached normally during exercise to be of any benefit.

"Such
'"/>

Contact: Lois Baker
baker@newsb.buffalo.edu
716-645-2626
University at Buffalo
5-Jun-1998