Anyone used PowerBreathe?

[Fer]

Anyone used a PowerBreathe? We were thinking of getting one for miniFer, but not sure if they are any use, or if they were more risky than not having one.

We were looking for something to assist with his Asthma, so the green one (Wellness) was the one, but at £50 a shot I thought I would check with the PH gurus for any advice.

(And in case anyone is wondering WTF they are, check out www.powerbreathe.com).

[rich 36]

Still no wiser, as its not a good link

[__Lee__]

Try this:
www.powerbreathe.com

[rich 36]

athletes on treadmills with breathing tubes and monitors springs to mind.
Is this asthma linked,

[medicineman]

Fer it may help, it may not. Asthma is caused by the airways reacting to some sort of stimulus and then closing. Its like putting a clamp on the air intake of your engine. It doesn't matter how big the engine (lungs) are, you restrict air flow, it causes problems. The best thing for asthma is the correct treatment (usually a combination of steriod (brown) and long acting B2 inhaler (green)). Regular reviews and a good management paln so you know whatto measure and what do with the readings. PM me if you want any further advice.

[rich 36]

I 'developed' Asthma at about 25, but having given up fags awhile ago and as mentioned above, got a plan,
and touch wood, its been no problem for some time now.

[Selmer]

I have. In 1989, before they were marketed in this country. They were a bit more err...rudimentary than they are now; sharper edges, less ergonomically friendly and stuff.
Don't know about asthma alleviation but they do make things harder when pedalling!
And it's not like you get going then there's a sudden deficit/restriction; at first you can't really feel liek you can get going at all.
After a bout of bronchitus a few years back in mid winter I thought about getting one to use on the trainer so I wasn't breathing lungfuls of cold, damp air. I was thinking about racing again then though.
My two bob: get his breathing and overall health back on track first then maybe try the model you mentioned.
Good luck.

[maxf]

My girlfiend (at the time) was involved with a study into the effectiveness of these for a PHD at uni - when I talk to her next I'll find out if the findings were positive. The study was aimed at atheletes though, rather then asthma sufferers.

[shirepro]

I understand they come in 3 types, the wellness one for people wishing to improve their general lung performance, the fitness version for keep-fittrs and the expert on for serious athletes.

I recall the review when they first came out suggesting they could improve lung function, and they seemed to have some academic credibility as they were developed by a University here in the UK.
I was tempted, but thought I would look like a pratt at the gym.

I am not sure how well they perform for those people with asthma (although they were originally being touted for the condition)but I would be interested if you did find out any more.

Oddly, I saw them on the net yesterday for £33.
www.sweatbandfitness.co.uk/shop/default.asp?CategoryID=1623&DepartmentID=10

[shirepro]

Found this on the asthma sufferers forum

www.asthma.org.uk/discus/messages/1/397.html?1078793094

[Selmer]

just an aside: as far as I know, they only improve lung function in-directly, through strengthening the diaphragm. Not sure how relevant this would be to someone with this condition.

[Julian64]

I think you would be better spent with investing that money in a decent pair of gel running shoes.

I believe the shoes would be more likely to help you.

[Fer]

Thanks for all the advice. It does seem that the jury is still out on this as to how much use it would be to a 10 yo.

Since (touch wood) this time of year his Asthma is not a big issue I will leave it for the moment and see how he gets on.

Thanks again, one and all.