Do nasal strips improve athletic performance?

If your daughter or son thinks that stretching a nasal strip across their nose will improve their athletic performance, they should note new research that says they are wasting their time.

According to a recent study from a Florida Atlantic University professor, it's all a myth. The strips, which are adhesive and have a plastic strip that pulls up the outside of the nose, may make your student athlete look like their professional idol. It may give them a psychological boost. But they won't improve their athletic performance. And the scores of athletes who use the strips are kidding themselves, the research shows.

According to study author Joseph O'Kroy, the nasal strips do improve air flow through the nose.  "You put the things on your nose and they definitely reduce the resistance to air flow going through the nose. When you breathe through your nose it definitely feels easier. And it is."  But O'Kroy says if you understand the mechanics of air flow during exercise, the fact that your nasal passages are freer is superfluous.  

"Most people breathe through their mouths when they exercise. But some air does enter through your nose. The thing is, the limitation to getting air into and out of your lungs is in the lungs, not in the nose or the mouth. So no matter what you do to your nose or mouth, it's not going to make it easier to get air into and out of your lungs," he says.  "You absolutely just don't need your nose at all to breathe adequately during exercise," he says.

Breathing difficulties, allergies and sinus infections are serious problems. Have your child seek medical attention if they are suffering from these conditions.

As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician. Please read our full disclaimer.