Ventilatory Pattern Changes in Professional Cyclists Over an Integrated Ventilatory Training Period: A Three-Case Longitudinal Observation

This longitudinal case series documents ventilatory pattern changes observed in three professional male cyclists (one WorldTour, two ProTeam) over 4–12 months, during a period that included an integrated ventilatory training approach (IVTA) combining inspiratory muscle training (POWERbreathe K5), voluntary isocapnic hyperpnoea training (Breathe Way Better) and real-time respiratory frequency (Rf) and tidal volume (Tv) biofeedback. Multi-parameter ecological monitoring was performed at baseline and follow-up at matched or closely comparable, zone-specific power outputs. Consistent directional changes were observed across the three cases: Rf decreased (−17.8 to −32%), Tv increased (+6.2 to +25.8%) and the Tv/Rf ratio increased (+46 to +84%) across the zones assessed. In one case, the restructured pattern was largely maintained during a documented fatigue state. The S-Index increased by 34 to 44% in two cases. In the absence of a control condition, these changes cannot be attributed causally to the IVTA; they provide a preliminary basis for a future randomised controlled trial.