We tested the hypothesis that inspiratory muscles, like other skeletal muscles, would exert greater force under pliometric conditions (being lengthened while active) than under isometric or miometric (active shortening) conditions. Maximal inspiratory pressure-flow curves of the respiratory system are analogous to the force-velocity curves for isolated muscle (Agostoni and Fenn, J. Appl. Physiol. 15:349-353, 1960). We measured esophageal pressure (Pes) and plethysmographic flow (V) at relaxation volume of the respiratory system in six trained subjects inspiring maximally through graded resistors (miometric), against a closed airway (isometric), and while constant expiratory flows were forced by a reduced pressure source at the airway opening (pliometric). Pes varied inversely with V and this trend continued into the pliometric range. In addition we found that the pressure-flow characteristics of the rib cage and of the abdomen are similar to those for the chest wall as a whole. The mechanical and energetic advantages of muscle activity under pliometric conditions may be available to some inspiratory muscles in both normal and pathological situations.