Competitive Swim Breathing: A Survey-Informed Tutorial for Speech-Language Pathologists Who Treat EILO.

PURPOSE: Swimmers present a unique challenge for the clinician when presenting with a diagnosis of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO). The purpose of this tutorial was to query competitive swimmers about commonly used breathing strategies and then use that information as a basis from which to provide speech-language pathologists who treat EILO in swimmers with a clinical perspective for treatment planning and implementation.

METHODS

A survey of competitive female and male swimmers aged 18 and over was conducted to inquire about swim breathing techniques used in the context of swim distance(s), training versus competition, bilateral versus unilateral head turn, and stroke-to-breath ratio. Questions regarding experience with EILO and asthma were also included.

RESULTS

Following receipt of consent, 62 competitive swimmers completed the survey. The survey results indicated a preference for trickle breathing; however, many volunteers described different breathing strategies for training versus competition. Breath-to-stroke ratios differed widely, often based on swim distance as a means to have competitive advantage. Thirteen volunteers reported difficulty inhaling while swimming, two of whom reported a diagnosis of EILO and one who reported a diagnosis of asthma.

CONCLUSIONS

Swimmers with EILO present with unique challenges for clinicians, given the various breathing techniques used and the idiosyncratic nature of breathing strategies for each swimmer. A one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient for this population and clinicians interested in treating swimmers with EILO will need to employ optimal critical thinking skills for intervention success-a true merger of art and deep understanding of respiratory and laryngeal physiology.