The Effect of Respiratory Muscle Warm-up on Pulmonary Diffusion Capacity in Athletes

Summary

Several studies suggest that inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) could potentially affect exercise performance; however, its mechanistic basis is still unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of IMW on lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, cardiorespiratory, perceptual and performance outcomes in elite athletes from different disciplines.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of IMW on diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, cardiorespiratory, perceptual and performance outcomes during high-intensity exercise in elite athletes from different disciplines. The study will be conducted using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind and crossover study experimental design involving 35 athletes from various sports disciplines, including endurance, strength, skill-based, and mixed disciplines.

Participants will attend the laboratory on four separate occasions. During the first visit, they will be informed about the study and familiarized with the application and measurement procedures. In the second visit, a general warm-up will be performed. During the third and fourth visits, IMW (IMW40% or IMW placebo) protocols will be applied in addition to the general warm-up. Measurements of DLCO, pulmonary function tests, respiratory muscle strength, and gas analysis during maximal aerobic exercise will be collected both before and after the warm-up protocols.

Conditions

• Healty Male Volunteers
• Athlete

Interventions

OTHER

Inspiratory muscle warm-up

This study will use a respiratory muscle warm-up protocol set at 40% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) using the POWERbreath® device, as this intensity has been shown to optimally stimulate respiratory muscles. The protocol involves two sets of 30 breaths with a 60-second rest between sets, performed with participants sitting and using a nose clip. Participants will be trained in this technique during the familiarization session and monitored throughout the tests to ensure proper execution.

OTHER

General warm-up (Control)

The general warm-up (Control) protocol will include exercises such as running and dynamic, active, and passive movements tailored to the diverse sports disciplines in the study. These movements will follow the principles of elevation, activation, and mobilization, focusing on increasing mobility from the arms and shoulders to the lower back and legs. Each session will involve demonstrations emphasizing proper technique and speed, with participants completing a consistent number of repetitions. Researchers will monitor participants closely to ensure correct form and execution throughout the intervention.

OTHER

Inspiratory muscle warm-up placebo (IMW %15)

The respiratory muscle warm-up protocol will be conducted at 15% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) using the POWERbreath® device. This placebo protocol will involve two sets of 30 breaths, separated by a 60-second rest, with participants seated and wearing a nose clip. Training for the technique will occur during a familiarization session, and participants will be observed during tests to ensure proper execution. The purpose of this protocol is to serve as a placebo, masking the actual aim of the study to enhance data reliability.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ondokuz Mayıs University

  collaborator OTHER

• Emre Karaduman

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

24 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-12-30

Primary Completion

2024-12-31

Completion

2025-01-15