RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH AND AGILITY IN COMPETITIVE SOCCER PLAYERS

Agility is characterized by quick whole-body motions and direction changes. It is dependent on speed, balance, and coordination. During these movements, the diaphragm, which is normally associated with breathing, also helps to maintain balance and postural stability. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and agility in competitive soccer players. This cross-sectional study recruited a hundred and twenty male soccer players (age 20.68±2.75 years). Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP-MEP) for respiratory muscle strength was recorded using micro-respiratory pressure device. Agility was assessed using Illinois agility test. The results of the current study showed that MIP and MEP were negatively correlated with agility (r=–0.310; p=< 0.001 and r=–0.433; p=< 0.001; respectively). The study concluded that the increase in muscle strength results in reducing the time taken for completing the agility task. Hence incorporating inspiratory muscle training as an adjunct to regular skill training in footballers can improve their agility performance.