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

Ondokuz Mayıs University30 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Sport Performance

Interventions

Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle TrainingDEVICE

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 TrainingDEVICE

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 TrainingDEVICE

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.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 13 YearsMax age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 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. \- 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.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max)

VO₂max will be assessed during a cardiopulmonary exercise test as an indicator of aerobic performance capacity.