Overview

The Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance (TIRE) protocol is a comprehensive approach to respiratory muscle training that applies proven strength training principles to the breathing muscles. The PrO2 device and TIRE uses fixed resistance training that automatically adapts to each individual's capabilities.

The protocol begins with measuring the patient's sustained maximum inspiratory pressure (SMIP) to establish their baseline capacity. A TIRE training sessions consists of six sets of six reps each at 80% of their SMIP. Each set has decreasing rest intervals. The goal each session is to train respiratory muscles to fatigue to acheive optimal improvement.

This evidence-based approach has been validated through numerous clinical studies showing significant improvements in respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and overall breathing function. The protocol is particularly effective because:

• Training matches patient ability that day
• Training complete after 36 breaths or when targets are not reached
• There is no need to tailor protocols for each patient
• TIRE provices objective tracking of respiratory performance over time