Nasal Patency, Aerobic Capacity, and Athletic Performance

Abstract

The patency of the nasal airway may directly affect pulmonary ventilation, with obstruction and increased nasal resistance resulting in increased pulmonary resistance, hypoxia, and hypercapnea. Nine aerobic athletes were evaluated to assess the role of the nasal airway on aerobic capacity and athletic performance. A step-ladder graded maximal aerobic capacity test was performed under three test conditions: obstructed, decongested with oxymetazoline hydrochloride, and saline control. No differences in maximum VO2, work load, oxygen saturation, maximal blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate were noted between test conditions. Pre-exercise nasal resistance was lower in the decongested compared to control conditions, but no differences were found after exercise. Athletic performance was not influenced by nasal patency in this model.