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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07406451

Inspiratory Muscle Training Enhances Jumping Power and Shoot-ing Performance in Elite Air Pistol Athletes

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a four-week inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program on physical and motor performance parameters and shooting accuracy in elite male air pistol athletes. Twenty athletes were randomly assigned to either an IMT group or a control group. Outcome measures included jumping performance, reaction time, flexibility, and shooting accuracy assessed via the SCATT system. The findings demonstrated that IMT significantly improved lower-limb explosive power and shooting performance without affecting reaction time or flexibility.

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Key information

Conditions

Inspiratory Muscle Training Jump Performance Precision Sport Performance Shooting Performance

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Gumushane Univetsity

Gümüşhane, Trabzon, Ordu, Giresun, Rize, Artvin, Gümüşhane, 29600, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Air pistol shooting is a precision sport requiring postural stability, neuromuscular coordination, and controlled breathing. Inspiratory muscle training has been shown to enhance respiratory muscle strength, trunk stability, and neuromuscular efficiency. However, evidence regarding its effects in precision sports is limited.

This study employed a four-week parallel-group randomized controlled design to examine whether IMT improves jumping performance, reaction time, and shooting accuracy in elite air pistol athletes. The IMT group performed twice-daily resisted breathing sessions using a POWERbreathe® device, while the control group continued standard training. Performance outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention period.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male athletes aged 18-35 years
  • Minimum of 3 years of systematic air pistol shooting experience
  • Regular training for at least the previous 6 months
  • Medically cleared for physical activity

Exclusion criteria

  • History of respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders
  • Current injury affecting performance
  • Participation in respiratory muscle training within the last 6 months

Treatment and study plan

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) group

Other

Participants performed inspiratory muscle training using a POWERbreathe® Classic device. Training consisted of two daily sessions of 30 resisted breaths, six days per week, for four weeks. Initial resistance was set at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and progressively increased weekly.

Control Group (A):

Other

Participants continued their regular air pistol training routines without inspiratory muscle training.

Primary outcomes

  1. Shooting Performance (SCATT Score)

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Shooting accuracy and stability assessed using the SCATT shooting simulation system

Secondary outcomes

  1. Countermovement Jump Height and Power

    Time frame: 4 Weeks

    Measured using OptoJump Next system

  2. Squat Jump Height and Power

    Time frame: 4 Weeks

    Measured using OptoJump Next system

  3. Visual Reaction Time

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Assessed using Cognitech reaction time tester

  4. Auditory Reaction Time

    Time frame: 4 week

    Assessed using Cognitech reaction time tester

  5. Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)

    Time frame: 4 week

    Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Gümüşhane Universıty

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 12, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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