Inspiratory Muscle Training in Amateur CrossFit® Athletes

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Group with IMT: Group with IMT + CrossFit training

CrossFit® Training: The training routine will occur seven days a week, with participants encouraged and motivated to attend at least five training sessions. CrossFit® classes will include: warm-up exercises, strength training (with a focus on Olympic weightlifting and free weights), strength endurance (body weight and external loads), aerobic capacity (across multiple domains), maximal aerobic power (across multiple domains), anaerobic capacity (across multiple domains), cool-down activities, and mobility exercises. Each training session will be designed and supervised by a team of certified physical educators.

Study summary

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the performance of athletes in CrossFit® activities, respiratory muscle strength, and perceived post-training fatigue. This study follows a two-arm randomized controlled trial protocol. Ninety-four volunteers aged between 18 and 60 years, enrolled in CrossFit® training, will be randomly allocated to the IMT Group, which involves respiratory training using a linear load device (Powerbreathe®) in conjunction with CrossFit® training; or the Non-IMT Group, which undergoes the same training as the intervention group but uses a device without a valve that ensures resistance. The primary outcome is to investigate the effectiveness of IMT: on maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure. The secondary outcomes include performance in the six-minute walk test, Pistol, Burpee, Sit-up, Box Jump, Thruster, and Single-Under, burning 25 calories on the "Air Bike" measured by the time taken to reach the 25-calorie mark on this equipment, as well as the assessment of subjective fatigue perception. All outcomes of interest will be collected at baseline and reassessed: mid-term (8 weeks after allocation); and long-term (12 weeks after allocation), the IMT and MEP will be reassessed. Analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Treatment effects will be assessed using Linear Mixed Models. The results of this study may help clarify the effects of IMT on CrossFit® athletes.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Respiratory muscle strength (Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) — at 8 weeks and 12 weeks
  Respiratory muscle strength (Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) Description: The assessment of the strength of the resistant muscles will be performed using a vacuum manometer with an operating range of ± 300 cmH2O. To measure the MIP, the participant must exhale until reaching their Residual Volume (RV), immediately connecting the mouthpiece to the oral tract and making a maximum inspiratory effort against the occluded airway, holding for at least one second.
• Respiratory muscle strength (Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP)) — at 8 and 12 weeks
  The assessment of the strength of the resistant muscles will be performed using a manovacuometer with an operating range of ± 300 cmH2O. To measure MEP, the participant must inhale until reaching their Total Lung Capacity and then, inserting the mouthpiece into the oral cavity, perform a maximum expiratory effort against the occluded airway, which must be maintained for at least one second.

Trial sites (1)

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