The UK’s Lung Performance Specialists
Specialist lung testing for elite athletes. Identify hidden breathing issues. Unlock full performance potential.
Breathe Better. Perform Better.
The Problem
Breathing is essential — but often ignored in sport.
Elite athletes are twice as likely to suffer from undiagnosed breathing issues. Many mask symptoms like shortness of breath, tight chest, or fatigue to avoid losing their spot or appearing weak.
- Up to 50% of elite athletes have a breathing pattern disorder or upper airway issue
- 30% experience exercise-induced respiratory symptoms
- 27% of pro footballers have an asthma-related condition
Breathing dysfunction can be:
- Physiological – inflammation, asthma, or allergies
- Mechanical – restricted chest movement, inefficient breathing
- Psychological – stress-induced disordered breathing patterns
These problems quietly reduce endurance, performance, and long-term respiratory health.
of elite football players have an asthma related condition
of elite athletes experience breathing pattern disorder
of elite athletes have rhinitis and upper airway obstruction
The Solution
We help athletes breathe better — and perform better.
The Lung Function Clinic specialises in elite-level respiratory testing and treatment. Our team identifies the hidden issues behind poor breathing performance, with a focus on athlete care, confidence, and performance goals.
We provide:
- In-depth diagnostics: spirometry, nasal flow, FeNO, mannitol challenge
- Expert analysis from top consultants and physiologists
- Tailored treatment plans for asthma, airway obstruction, or breathing pattern disorders
- Supportive management that protects the athlete’s mindset and performance role
Whether used during pre-season or integrated into long-term athlete care, our service unlocks hidden breathing potential — and delivers measurable results.
Ready to optimise your squad's breathing performance?
Speak with one of our
experts today!
What We Test
Spirometry
Measures how much air an athlete can inhale and exhale, and how quickly.
Detects asthma, airflow obstruction, and reduced lung capacity.
Nasal Flow Test
Assesses nasal airflow to detect blockages or structural issues.
Identifies upper airway obstructions that affect breathing efficiency.
FeNO
Measures airway inflammation by detecting nitric oxide in exhaled breath.
Helps diagnose allergic asthma and monitor inflammation levels.
Mannitol Challenge Test
A stress test for the lungs that identifies airway sensitivity and exercise-induced asthma.
Reveals bronchial hyperresponsiveness not found in resting tests.
Breathing Pattern Analysis
Monitors chest wall movement and breathing mechanics during exercise.
Detects dysfunctional breathing and mechanical inefficiency.
How It Works
Our Experts
Prof. John Dickinson
University of Kent – Head of the Exercise Respiratory Clinic Research Graduate Studies and Lead Public Engagement Coordinator.
Prof. Dickinson is the UK’s leading sports lung function specialist, with over 20 years experience supporting elite athletes manage respiratory problems and optimise respiratory health.
The population groups John has investigated and supported include GB Swimmers, England Football Team and many other elite athletes preparing for major competitions such as the Olympic Games.
John has lead research in the field of asthmas and lung function in sport working in conjunction with WADA, Team GB and many elite sporting organisations.
Dr. Suman Paul
MBBS, MD(Pulmonary medicine), MRCP (UK), MRCP (Respiratory medicine), CCT (UK), European diploma in Adult Respiratory Medicine.
Dr. Paul specialises in Respiratory and general medicine having completed higher specialty training in respiratory and general medicine in North-West England rotation and currently working as a respiratory consultant in Royal Preston Hospital. He also lead the COPD services of the Trust.
His specialty interest is in interventional pulmonology and has a keen interest in clinical research and has actively participated in the presentation of research papers in national and international conferences, worked as a co-investigator in multi-national commercial drug trials, and been a named author in publications in reputed journals like Lancet Rheumatology.