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Salford Reds hope to conjure success out of 'thin air'

19/04/2007

Bottom-of-the-league Salford Reds have been undergoing pioneering breathing therapies in order to improve their performance on the pitch.

The rugby team agreed to take part in a new fitness regime, called intermittent hypoxic therapy (IHT), in the hope that it will improve fitness and recovery from injury.

Players breathe through a mask while the amount of oxygen is steadily reduced –simulating the 'thin air' effect experienced by climbers at high altitude – which encourages the body to work harder.

Coach Karl Harrison told the Salford Advertiser: "It's like training up a mountain. The boys seem to like it and see it as beneficial so I think they should definitely carry on having it – it helps with fatigue on the pitch."

The therapy, which is becoming popular with American soccer players, is being provided by Bury-based Justbreathe UK.

Earlier this month, Mr Harrison denied claims that Leeds had approached him about becoming their coach and said that even if they did, he would refuse the offer.



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