An interventional study of Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training and Swimming-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training in Sport Performance and Inspiratory Muscle Training, sponsored by Ondokuz Mayıs University. Recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 13 Years to 18 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-03-25.
Sponsored by Ondokuz Mayıs University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of four weeks of land- and water-based inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on performance and selected physiological variables in young swimmers. A total of 30 competitive swimmers (22 males and 8 females), who have been training regularly for at least two years, will be voluntarily recruited and assigned to three groups: Land + IMT, Swimming + IMT, and Water + IMT. To compare the effects of different training protocols and evaluate their specific contributions to performance, participants will undergo assessments before the intervention and after the completion of the four-week training period. These assessments will include anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function tests, respiratory muscle strength, 100- and 200-meter freestyle swimming performance, stroke rate and stroke efficiency, as well as cardiopulmonary capacity.
Previous studies investigating the effects of inspiratory muscle training in swimmers have generally applied the intervention in land-based settings and reported positive physical and physiological adaptations. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study has examined the effects of IMT performed in the water in swimmers. This novel approach is expected to better simulate the actual breathing demands encountered during swimming, thereby improving respiratory control, promoting a more efficient breathing rhythm during competition, and enhancing swimming performance.
Ondokuz Mayıs University is the lead sponsor of 262 studies on the registry; 68 are open to participants now.
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Young competitive swimmers aged between 13 and 18 years.
Regular participation in swimming training for at least 2 years.
Participation in routine training consisting of approximately 20 hours/week of pool training and 8 hours/week of land training.
Being medically fit to participate in swimming training and inspiratory muscle training.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Presence of any acute or chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorder that may affect exercise performance or respiratory function.
Current upper or lower respiratory tract infection at the time of assessment or intervention.
Use of medication that may affect respiratory or exercise performance.
Participants in this group will perform inspiratory muscle training using a PowerBreathe device on land, in addition to their regular swimming and land-based training routines.
Device: Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training
Participants in this group will perform inspiratory muscle training during the warm-up period of pool training while swimming on their back using a PowerBreathe device, in addition to their regular swimming and land-based training routines.
Device: Swimming-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training
Participants in this group will perform inspiratory muscle training in the water in a static position, with the body immersed and the head above water, while standing with feet supported against the pool wall, in addition to their regular swimming and land-based training routines
Device: Water-Based Static Inspiratory Muscle Training
Participants allocated to this group will perform inspiratory muscle training on land using a PowerBreathe device in addition to their regular swimming and land-based training routines. The intervention will be performed 5 days per week for 4 weeks, with 2 sets of 30 breaths at an intensity of 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure. The training load will be progressively increased weekly.
Participants allocated to this group will perform inspiratory muscle training during the warm-up period of pool training while swimming on their back using a PowerBreathe device, in addition to their regular swimming and land-based training routines. The intervention will be performed 5 days per week for 4 weeks, with a total of 60 controlled breaths. The training load will be progressively increased weekly.
Participants allocated to this group will perform inspiratory muscle training in water in a static position, with the body immersed up to the neck and the head above water, while the feet are supported against the pool wall. The intervention will be performed using a PowerBreathe device in addition to regular swimming and land-based training routines, 5 days per week for 4 weeks, with 2 sets of 30 breaths at an intensity of 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure. The training load will be progressively increased weekly.
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max)
VO₂max will be assessed during a cardiopulmonary exercise test as an indicator of aerobic performance capacity.
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
100 m Time Trial
The 100 m time trial is a performance test that measures the time required to complete a 100-meter swim at maximal effort.
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
200 m Time Trial
The 200 m time trial is a performance test that measures the time required to complete a 100-meter swim at maximal effort.
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
Stroke Rate
Stroke rate is the number of stroke cycles performed per unit of time during swimming, usually expressed as cycles or strokes per minute.
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
FEV1/FVC
The FEV1/FVC ratio is a number that represents the percentage of patient lung capacity patient is able to exhale in one second.
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
FEV1
This is the amount of air with pulmonary function test that the patient can force out of their lungs in one second.
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
FVC
This is the greatest total amount of air patient can forcefully breathe out after breathing in as deeply as possible.
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
PEF
Peak expiratory flow is the highest flow achieved during a forceful expiration initiated after a full inspiration.
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
MIP
Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) is the highest pressure generated during a maximal inspiratory effort against an occluded airway.
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
MEP
Maximal expiratory pressure is the highest pressure generated during a maximal expiratory effort against an occluded airway.
Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
Plan to share: No
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