Sport PerformanceIMTNCT07493837
Land- and Water-based Inspiratory Muscle Training in Young Swimmers
A study testing Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training, Swimming-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training and Water-Based Static Inspiratory Muscle Training in people with Sport Performance and Inspiratory Muscle Training, run by Ondokuz Mayıs University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 13 to 18 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Sport Performance, Inspiratory Muscle Training
- What is being tested?
- Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training, Swimming-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training and Water-Based Static Inspiratory Muscle Training
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2026to 1 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 13 to 18 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
- -
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Ondokuz Mayıs University
Samsun, Atakum, 55200
Özgür Bostancı, Prof. Dr., +905426936318, bostanci@omu.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Performance in Young Swimmers: a Comparison of Land- and Water-based Applications
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
- Being tested
- Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training, Swimming-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training, Water-Based Static Inspiratory Muscle Training
- Keywords
- Young swimmers, inspiratory muscle training, swimming performance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle TrainingDevice
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 TrainingDevice
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 TrainingDevice
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Land-Based IMT Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will perform inspiratory muscle training using a PowerBreathe device on land, in addition to their regular swimming and land-based training routines. Receives: Device: Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training |
| Swimming-Based IMT Group | Experimental | Participants in 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. Receives: Device: Swimming-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training |
| Water-Based Static IMT Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will perform inspiratory muscle training in the water in a static position, with the body immersed and the head above water, while standing with feet supported against the pool wall, in addition to their regular swimming and land-based training routines Receives: Device: Water-Based Static Inspiratory Muscle Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max)
VO₂max will be assessed during a cardiopulmonary exercise test as an indicator of aerobic performance capacity.
Measured: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
100 m Time Trial
The 100 m time trial is a performance test that measures the time required to complete a 100-meter swim at maximal effort.
Measured: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
200 m Time Trial
The 200 m time trial is a performance test that measures the time required to complete a 100-meter swim at maximal effort.
Measured: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
Stroke Rate
Stroke rate is the number of stroke cycles performed per unit of time during swimming, usually expressed as cycles or strokes per minute.
Measured: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
FEV1/FVC
The FEV1/FVC ratio is a number that represents the percentage of patient lung capacity patient is able to exhale in one second.
Measured: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
FEV1
This is the amount of air with pulmonary function test that the patient can force out of their lungs in one second.
Measured: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
FVC
This is the greatest total amount of air patient can forcefully breathe out after breathing in as deeply as possible.
Measured: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
PEF
Peak expiratory flow is the highest flow achieved during a forceful expiration initiated after a full inspiration.
Measured: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
MIP
Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) is the highest pressure generated during a maximal inspiratory effort against an occluded airway.
Measured: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
MEP
Maximal expiratory pressure is the highest pressure generated during a maximal expiratory effort against an occluded airway.
Measured: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Sport PerformanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ondokuz Mayıs UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ondokuz Mayıs University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Bilgehan Melikşah Çaloğlu, Ondokuz Mayıs University
- Investigators
- Özgür Bostancı, Prof. Dr., Study director, Ondokuz Mayıs UniversityBilgehan M Çaloğlu, MSc, Principal investigator, Ondokuz Mayıs University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07493837
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- OMU KAEK 2025/223
- Acronym
- IMT
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 25 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Gomez-Albareda E, Viscor G, Garcia I. Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Maximal Inspiratory Pressure Without Increasing Performance in Elite Swimmers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2023 Feb 8;18(3):320-325. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0238. Print 2023 Mar 1.
PubMed 36754056Carvajal-Tello N, Ortega JG, Caballero-Lozada AF, Devia-Quinonez MJ, Gonzalez-Calzada I, Rojas-Hernandez D, Segura-Ordonez A. Effects of inspiratory muscle training on lung function parameter in swimmers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Sports Act Living. 2024 Sep 16;6:1429902. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1429902. eCollection 2024.
PubMed 39351143
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Performance in Young Swimmers: a Comparison of Land- and Water-based Applications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07493837
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IMT / OMU KAEK 2025/223
- Conditions
- Sport Performance, Inspiratory Muscle Training
- Keywords
- Young swimmers, inspiratory muscle training, swimming performance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ondokuz Mayıs UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Land-Based IMT Group | Experimental | Device: Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle TrainingParticipants in this group will perform inspiratory muscle training using a PowerBreathe device on land, in addition to their regular swimming and land-based training routines. |
| Swimming-Based IMT Group | Experimental | Device: Swimming-Based Inspiratory Muscle TrainingParticipants in 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. |
| Water-Based Static IMT Group | Experimental | Device: Water-Based Static Inspiratory Muscle TrainingParticipants in this group will perform inspiratory muscle training in the water in a static position, with the body immersed and the head above water, while standing with feet supported against the pool wall, in addition to their regular swimming and land-based training routines |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 13 to 18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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.
- -
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle TrainingParticipants 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 | Land-Based IMT Group |
| Swimming-Based Inspiratory Muscle TrainingParticipants 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 | Swimming-Based IMT Group |
| Water-Based Static Inspiratory Muscle TrainingParticipants 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. | Device | Water-Based Static IMT Group |
Primary outcome
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Mar 2026.
- Background: PubMed 36754056Gomez-Albareda E, Viscor G, Garcia I. Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Maximal Inspiratory Pressure Without Increasing Performance in Elite Swimmers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2023 Feb 8;18(3):320-325. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0238. Print 2023 Mar 1.
- Background: PubMed 39351143Carvajal-Tello N, Ortega JG, Caballero-Lozada AF, Devia-Quinonez MJ, Gonzalez-Calzada I, Rojas-Hernandez D, Segura-Ordonez A. Effects of inspiratory muscle training on lung function parameter in swimmers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Sports Act Living. 2024 Sep 16;6:1429902. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1429902. eCollection 2024.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Özgür Bostancı, Prof. Dr. study director
Ondokuz Mayıs University
Bilgehan M Çaloğlu, MSc principal investigator
Ondokuz Mayıs University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Land-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training, Swimming-Based Inspiratory Muscle Training and Water-Based Static Inspiratory Muscle Training in people with Sport Performance and Inspiratory Muscle Training, run by Ondokuz Mayıs University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Bilgehan M Çaloğlu, MSc (+905455236037, bilgehanmeliksah99@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) (time frame: Before and after 4 weeks of intervention). The study lists 10 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07493837, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Mar 2026.