Alison McConnell is a professor of applied physiology at Brunel University in London. She is a fellow of both the American College of Sports Medicine and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and is a BASES-accredited physiologist. McConnell is acknowledged as a leading authority on breathing muscle training and is the author of numerous scientific articles and book chapters. She is a regular presenter at international scientific and medical conferences.

McConnell is the inventor of Powerbreathe, a breathing muscle training system created in the early 1990s. She pioneered the introduction of breathing muscle training into athlete preparation and has worked with Olympic and world champions around the world to help them to optimize the use of Powerbreathe in their preparation for competition. She has also been influential in the acceptance of breathing muscle training as a treatment for breathlessness in patients with lung disease, and Powerbreathe is now a prescribed treatment within the UK National Health Service.

Alison remains an avid sportswoman with an active involvement in running, cycling, weight training, skiing, and windsurfing.

"Breathe Strong, Perform Better is an easy-to-follow introduction to the role of breathing muscles in sports. The training methods enclosed are groundbreaking and highly recommended."

Nick Gillingham, MBE -- Two-Time Olympic Swimming Medalist

"Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is a vital and often-overlooked component of a yearly training plan for all athletes. Breathe Strong, Perform Better will help any athlete or coach implement IMT into a conditioning program."

Dan Boothby -- Director of Strength and Conditioning, Northeastern University

"Breathe Strong, Perform Better is a long-overdue addition to the training literature. By following this practical advice, athletes will experience an instant and positive impact on their day-to-day training."

Paul Gamble, PhD, CSCS*D -- Author of Strength and Conditioning for Team Sports