Respiratory training using feedback

A breathing exercise training apparatus for increasing the indurance of inspiratory muscles, comprising:

• target generator means having timing means for setting and initiating a target timed interval for inhalation and a target timed interval for exhalation, and pressure responsive means for indicating a preselected target inhalation pressure and comparing it to actual inhalation pressure as attained by the trainee, said target generator means including signalling means for indicating when the target time intervals and the target inhalation pressure are not attained;
• a resistive breathing device having a mouthpiece, an inlet orifice, an outlet opening and a pressure port connected with a pressure transducer in the target generator means for communicating to the target generator means the inhalation pressure attained by the trainee;
• one-way valve means in said outlet opening for enabling flow out through said opening but preventing reverse flow inwardly therethrough;
• said timing means in said target generator means producing a signal at the beginning of a timed target inhalation interval, which indicates to the trainee that he is to begin an inhalation cycle, and including signal means which provides a signal to the trainee if he has not attained the target inhalation pressure within a second preset time interval that is less than the timed target inhalation interval, whereby a trainee is taught to breath with a desired breathing frequency, inhalation time and inhalation pressure.