Comparing Land- and Water-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training on Performance in Young Competitive Swimmers Aged 13 to 18

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to examine the effects of four weeks of inspiratory muscle training IMT on performance and selected physiological factors in young competitive swimmers aged 13 to 18 years. The study compares land-based, swimming-based, and water-based IMT methods to understand how these different training protocols influence swimming performance and respiratory function. Previous studies mainly focused on land-based IMT, but this is the first to explore water-based IMT, which may better mimic actual swimming breathing demands. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups Land-Based IMT, Swimming-Based IMT, or Water-Based Static IMT. All groups will use a PowerBreathe device in addition to their usual swimming and land-based training routines. Training occurs 5 days per week for 4 weeks, with progressive load increases. The Land and Water groups perform 2 sets of 30 breaths at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure, while the Swimming group completes 60 controlled breaths during pool warm-ups. Participants will undergo assessments before and after the intervention to measure factors including maximal oxygen uptake VO2max, 100- and 200-meter freestyle time trials, stroke rate, pulmonary function tests, and respiratory muscle strength. These measurements will help evaluate changes in physical and physiological performance. The study monitors participant safety and adherence throughout the 4-week training period, with the total study duration spanning from baseline to post-intervention evaluations.

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