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

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.

Conditions

• Sport Performance
• Inspiratory Muscle Training

Interventions

DEVICE

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.

DEVICE

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.

DEVICE

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ondokuz Mayıs University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Özgür Bostancı, Prof. Dr. · Ondokuz Mayıs University

• Bilgehan M Çaloğlu, MSc · Ondokuz Mayıs University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

13 Years

Max Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-01

Primary Completion

2026-05-01

Completion

2026-07-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations