Land- and Water-based Inspiratory Muscle Training in Young Swimmers

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Land-Based 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.

Swimming-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training: 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.

Water-Based Static Inspiratory Muscle Training: 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.

Study summary

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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) — Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
  VO₂max will be assessed during a cardiopulmonary exercise test as an indicator of aerobic performance capacity.
• 100 m Time Trial — Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
  The 100 m time trial is a performance test that measures the time required to complete a 100-meter swim at maximal effort.
• 200 m Time Trial — Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
  The 200 m time trial is a performance test that measures the time required to complete a 100-meter swim at maximal effort.
• Stroke Rate — Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
  Stroke rate is the number of stroke cycles performed per unit of time during swimming, usually expressed as cycles or strokes per minute.
• FEV1/FVC — Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
  The FEV1/FVC ratio is a number that represents the percentage of patient lung capacity patient is able to exhale in one second.
• FEV1 — Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
  This is the amount of air with pulmonary function test that the patient can force out of their lungs in one second.
• FVC — Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
  This is the greatest total amount of air patient can forcefully breathe out after breathing in as deeply as possible.
• PEF — Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
  Peak expiratory flow is the highest flow achieved during a forceful expiration initiated after a full inspiration.
• MIP — Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
  Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) is the highest pressure generated during a maximal inspiratory effort against an occluded airway.
• MEP — Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
  Maximal expiratory pressure is the highest pressure generated during a maximal expiratory effort against an occluded airway.

Trial sites (1)

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