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NCT Number: NCT07493837

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Sport Performance Inspiratory Muscle Training

Age range

13 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ondokuz Mayıs University

Samsun, Atakum, 55200, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Özgür Bostancı, Prof. Dr.

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905426936318

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

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.

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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.

Treatment and study plan

Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training

Device

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

Device

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

Device

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max)

    Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention

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

  2. 100 m Time Trial

    Time frame: 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.

  3. 200 m Time Trial

    Time frame: 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.

  4. Stroke Rate

    Time frame: 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.

  5. FEV1/FVC

    Time frame: 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.

  6. FEV1

    Time frame: 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.

  7. FVC

    Time frame: 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.

  8. PEF

    Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention

    Peak expiratory flow is the highest flow achieved during a forceful expiration initiated after a full inspiration.

  9. MIP

    Time frame: 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.

  10. MEP

    Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention

    Maximal expiratory pressure is the highest pressure generated during a maximal expiratory effort against an occluded airway.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Bilgehan M Çaloğlu, MSc

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905455236037

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ondokuz Mayıs University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Performance in Young Swimmers: a Comparison of Land- and Water-based Applications

Acronym: IMT

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 25, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 25, 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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