POWERbreathe K Series Manual
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The world's 1st intelligent
digital breathing trainer
SM
W I T H
TM
K4
L I V E F E E D B A C K S O F T W A R E
1

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Summary of Contents for POWERbreathe K Series

  • Page 1 The world’s 1st intelligent digital breathing trainer W I T H L I V E F E E D B A C K S O F T W A R E...
  • Page 2 Large text version available at powerbreathe.com...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents 8. After Training ............20 1. Product Description ..........2 8.1 Viewing Training Results………………..…..20 2. Introduction .............. 3 8.2 Deleting Training Session Results ..... 21 3. Precautions .............. 4 8.3 About the Training Results ........ 22 4. Quick Start Guide ............. 6 9.
  • Page 4: Product Description

    1. Product Description Mouthpiece USB Cable Air Inlet Valve Head Valve Head POWERbreathe POWERbreathe K4 Handset K4 Handset LCD Screen Charging LED Charge Socket Nose Clip Cradle Mains USB Charger (EU Version Shown)
  • Page 5: Introduction

    The POWERbreathe K4 training regime of 30 breaths, twice a day typically takes only a few minutes a day and, used properly, you should start to feel the benefits within just a few weeks. The POWERbreathe K4 can also be used to warm-up and cool-down the breathing muscles before and after exercise.
  • Page 6: Precautions

    3. Precautions The POWERbreathe K4 is suitable for almost anyone and will cause no harmful side effects when used properly. Please read the following precautions to ensure that you use your POWERbreathe K4 safely and appropriately. Contraindications: Caution: Inspiratory muscle training, such as training with POWERbreathe, creates a • If you feel light headed or dizzy whilst training with POWERbreathe, slow...
  • Page 7 If you have any doubts about the suitability of POWERbreathe for you, or you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor. Handling: • Do not drop, disassemble, open, crush, bend, deform, puncture,...
  • Page 8: Quick Start Guide

    4. Quick Start Guide The quick start section is provided for quick reference only. We recommend that you read the full manual before starting training for the first time. 2. Power on 3. Start the training mode 1. Recharge Press and hold the button for Ensure that the mouthpiece and valve head Plug in the mini-USB charger provided.
  • Page 9 (you may ) using the button, then press leave on a clean towel to dry. remove the POWERbreathe from your mouth to view the highlighted result See section 11.1 for detailed cleaning during exhalation if you prefer). Repeat for 30 See section 8.1 for detailed information on...
  • Page 10: Basics

    5. Basics 5.1 Charging Remove the POWERbreathe K4 and power adapter from the packaging. For portable use, recharge your POWERbreathe K4 by following the instructions below. Alternatively, the POWERbreathe K4 may be used whilst connected to the mains using the power/charge adapter provided. 4. Once the red charging light has switched off (up to 16 hours), 1. Plug the USB cable into the adapter remove the power adapter from the wall socket and from the base of and then plug the adapter into a suitable the unit.
  • Page 11: Buttons And Display Symbols

    Scroll Battery Fully Charged On /Select Charge Battery Empty Mains Power Connected To switch on your POWERbreathe K4, press and hold button for 1 second or more. To turn off your POWERbreathe K4 scroll to the option under the Number of breaths remaining screen using the button and select by pressing in current breathing session button.
  • Page 12: Menu System

    5.3 Menu System POWERbreathe K4 uses an LCD menu system to navigate between different settings and to view training results. Use the button to move between different options and use the button to select the highlighted option. Scroll past the last option within a screen using the button in order to return to the previous screen.
  • Page 13: Before Training

    6.2 Setting Training Load The POWERbreathe K4 creates a resistance to inhalation (or load) that is equivalent to weight training for the muscles used to breathe (primarily the diaphragm and ribcage muscles). As with any other form of weight training, the POWERbreathe K4 resistance must be set at a level appropriate to the user in order to train these muscles effectively.
  • Page 14: Automatic Set-Up

    Automatic set-up of this load takes place during the first two breaths of each training session. During these breaths there is no load and you should breathe in as quickly and as fully as possible to ensure that the POWERbreathe K4 can measure your maximum breathing capability –...
  • Page 15: Manual Set-Up

    Increase the training load by pressing the button (press and hold to scroll rapidly, scroll past the maximum of 200cmH O to start again). Press Press Press to increase or to select then press decrease load to scroll intensity. to manual When using the manual set-up method it may take some time to find your ideal training level. Try gradually increasing the load by around 5 to 10cmH O each time you train with the POWERbreathe until you reach a level at which you can only just complete a full session of 30 breaths. Over time, as your breathing muscles strengthen, you will find that it becomes easier to complete 30 breaths at this level. Each time this happens, increase the training level by about 5cmH O to maintain the training intensity.
  • Page 16: Pacing Your Breathing

    6.5 Pacing Your Breathing POWERbreathe is equipped with an adaptive pacing guidance This feature is for guidance only. If you feel dizzy or feature, which is intended to guide the user to breathe at an light-headed, try and slow down your breathing or appropriate rate (see also section 7.3 Breathing Technique). This is...
  • Page 17: Disabling Pacing Guidance

    6.6 Disabling Pacing Guidance: If you are happy to regulate your own breathing patterns during a training session you may wish to disable the pacing guidance feature. In order to do this, navigate to the screen and select by following the button sequence below: Press Press Press...
  • Page 18: Training

    POWERbreathe K4 variable loading, which changes during the breath in order to match the changes in breathing muscle strength. The recommended POWERbreathe training routine consists of 30 breaths, twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening).
  • Page 19: Holding The Device Correctly

    7.2 Holding the Device Correctly Make sure you are standing or sitting upright and feel relaxed. Hold the device with your hand cupped around the lower rear section of the device, with your fingers and thumb on the coloured rubber grips. Make sure that your hand doesn’t cover the air inlet.
  • Page 20: Breathing Technique

    7.3 Breathing Technique Breathe in as hard, as fast and as deeply Breathe out slowly as possible Now breathe out slowly and passively through your mouth until your lungs feel completely empty, letting the muscles in your Breathe out as far as you can, then take a fast, forceful breath in chest and shoulders relax.
  • Page 21: Using The Nose-Clip

    To quit the training session, press then select by pressing the button again. Once you have completed 30 breaths the POWERbreathe K4 will beep to indicate the end of the session and the valve will open. 7.5 Maintaining Your Breathing Press After four to six weeks of training for 30 breaths, twice a day, your...
  • Page 22: After Training

    8.1 Viewing Training Results The POWERbreathe K4 Results system provides feedback on your respiratory training sessions. Using these results you can monitor your training progress, allowing you to optimise your training sessions and to meet your training targets. To view training results, select...
  • Page 23: Deleting Training Session Results

    8.2 Deleting training session results Individual training session results may be deleted whilst in the graphical results display screen. Scroll to the session number that you wish to delete using the button, press and hold the button for at least 3 seconds then select to delete the results for that session. Press Press Press and hold...
  • Page 24: About The Training Results

    8.3 About the Training Results (LOAD)is a measure of the resistance to inhalation and is equivalent to the ‘weight lifted’ or force exerted by the inspiratory muscles. Load is measured in units of cmH O, a unit of pressure commonly used in respiratory medicine to represent the pressure generated in the lungs due to Highest Load the force of the inspiratory muscles.
  • Page 25 (VOLUME) indicates the average amount of air inhaled per breath during a training session. A higher value of volume indicates that you are breathing deeply and training the Average volume inspiratory muscles across their full range of movement. Try to inhale as deeply as possible for inhaled per breath each breath of the training session in order to maximise this value.
  • Page 26: Modes

    Once you have completed the breath, the POWERbreathe K4 will beep to indicate that the test is complete and you can remove the POWERbreathe K4 from your mouth. The test results menu will automatically be displayed once you have completed the test. Use the...
  • Page 27: About The Test Results

    9.2 About the Test Results: Strength index) is a measure of your inspiratory muscle strength. Your strength index result is rated (V. Poor to Excellent) based upon predicted normal values of inspiratory muscle strength for an individual of your age, height, weight and gender. This is calculated using the profile data (section 6.1). As you continue Strength Index to train your inspiratory muscles over a period of weeks you should see improvements in your S-Index result.
  • Page 28: Warm-Up Mode

    Research has shown that a normal pre-exercise warm-up routine neglects to warm-up the breathing muscles, leading to excessive breathlessness during the start of exercise. The POWERbreathe K4 can be used to specifically warm-up these muscles prior to exercise using a reduced load setting leading to improved exercise performance.
  • Page 29: Cool-Down Mode

    During exercise, lactic acid accumulates in the tissues and blood, leading to discomfort and muscle fatigue. Research shows that breathing against a light resistance following exercise reduces lactic acid more rapidly (by up to 16%), aiding recovery and enhancing performance during subsequent exercise.. The POWERbreathe K4 cool-down session consists of 60 breaths against a low level load. Select from the menu to begin an inspiratory muscle cool-down session. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply during the cool-down session until you have completed 60 breaths.
  • Page 30: Pc Connection And Software Installation

    10. PC Connection and Software Installation The POWERbreathe K4 Breathe-Link software allows you to view live training and test data and record your training progress. Please follow the instructions below to install the software and connect your POWERbreathe K4. • Insert the POWERbreathe Breathe-Link software installation disk into your computer’s CD-ROM drive.
  • Page 31: Care And Maintenance

    11. Care and Maintenance POWERbreathe K4 is designed to be as robust and durable as possible. With a little care, your POWERbreathe K4 should last a long time. Please read the following precautions to ensure that your POWERbreathe K4 remains in top condition: 11.1 Cleaning...
  • Page 32: Blocked Valve Head

    Please store your POWERbreathe K4 at a temperature between -10°C and 60°C. Please Shake off excess water and leave on a clean store your POWERbreathe K4 in the storage pouch provided or a suitable clean and hygienic towel to dry. container. Always make sure that your POWERbreathe K4 is dry before storage.
  • Page 33: Technical Specifications

    12. Technical Specifications Charge indicator: ........Red LED during charging Load display: ......... 5 to 200cmH Training session counter ......up to 999 sessions Battery Life: ........... Approx 60mins in Graphical load display: ......Last 36 sessions training mode Battery: ..........3x AAA NiMH rechargeable Power display: ........0 to 99.9 Watts Graphical power display: .......
  • Page 34 Note: Materials are compliant with regards to composition, additives and properties, where applicable, in accordance with the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC Essential Requirements (Annex 1) Precedes the batch number of the device. Available POWERbreathe Accessories: - Additional Valve Heads The first four integers of the LOT number - Cleansing Tablets...
  • Page 35: Disposal

    Disposal of the battery: The built-in, rechargeable POWERbreathe battery pack contains substances that may pollute the environment. Please remove the battery pack as described below before you discard the product at an official collection point. Dispose of the batteries separately at a battery recycling point.
  • Page 36: About Inspiratory Muscle Training

    This increase in respiration may occur at very low levels of exercise in individuals whose breathing is impaired (e.g. through respiratory The POWERbreathe K4 uses the principle of resistance training to illness). train the inspiratory muscles. It creates a resistance to inhalation,...
  • Page 37: Troubleshooting And Faqs

    POWERbreathe K4 sets your training load based upon the speed 3. The POWERbreathe K4 will not switch on. and depth of your inhalation during the first two breaths of the 4. The POWERbreathe K4 is switched on but will not respond to any session. The harder you inhale during these breaths, the higher button presses.
  • Page 38 4. The POWERbreathe K4 is switched on but will not respond 8. How often should I clean the valve head? to any button presses. The valve head should be cleaned after every training session in Press and hold the buttons simultaneously for at least 3 order to maintain hygiene and effective operation.
  • Page 39 POWERbreathe K4, you may find that your results vary widely 16. How is strength Index calculated? between different training sessions. As you get used to the action of Strength index is a measure of inspiratory muscle strength that inhaling against a resistance with maximum effort, you should find is based upon the maximum flow of inhaled air that the user can that your results become more consistent and controllable.
  • Page 40: Warranty

    The warranties contained herein are expressly in lieu of any This warranty gives the purchaser specific legal rights. The purchaser other warranties including implied warranty of merchantability may also have other statutory rights. POWERbreathe International Ltd. and / or fit for purpose. hereby warrants to the original purchaser whose name shall be duly registered with the company, that the product sold by it is free from manufacturing defects in material and/or workmanship.
  • Page 41: Customer Service Contact

    17. Customer Service Contact If you need to send your POWERbreathe K4 to an official service centre, please refer to the contact information below. To help us to provide a better service, please include a description of the reason for returning the unit. Please also include proof of purchase. We recommend that returns are sent by recorded delivery.
  • Page 44 For International enquiries, please visit our website for your local distributor: www.powerbreathe.com POWERbreathe is not a toy. This product is designed to be used for breathing exercises only. Any other use is not recommended. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.

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K4

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