Inspiratory muscle training for amateur CrossFit athletes
Effectiveness of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Amateur CrossFit® Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether adding inspiratory muscle training with a handheld resistance device to regular CrossFit workouts helps adult amateur athletes improve breathing strength and exercise performance.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 94 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Federal University of the Valleys of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais) |
| Trial ID | NCT06807957 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a two-arm randomized controlled trial enrolling 94 CrossFit participants aged 18–60 who will be assigned to either an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) group using a linear-load device (Powerbreathe®) or a control group using a sham device without resistance. Primary outcomes are maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP); secondary outcomes include the six-minute walk test and performance on CrossFit-specific exercises (Pistol, Burpee, Sit-up, Box Jump, Thruster, Single-Under, and a 25-calorie Air Bike effort). Assessments occur at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks, with home IMT performed five days per week by the intervention group. Data collection includes demographics, body measures, vital signs, smoking history, medications, training history, and comorbidities, with all measurements recorded at a local gym assessment room and entered into a standardized database.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–60 who are enrolled in CrossFit training, can perform daily home IMT five days per week, and have no medical conditions that prevent CrossFit or IMT are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Smokers, people with musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological conditions that limit exercise or breathing training, or those who recently performed IMT are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, IMT could strengthen respiratory muscles, reduce perceived post-training fatigue, and modestly improve CrossFit performance for amateur athletes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous IMT studies in athletic and clinical populations have shown improvements in inspiratory strength and sometimes exercise performance, so the technique has supportive evidence though application specifically to CrossFit is less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 60 years; * Be enrolled in a CrossFit® program; * Be available to perform TMI at home 5 days a week. Exclusion Criteria: * Have any musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and/or neurological condition that prevents CrossFit® and/or IMT from being performed; * Be a smoker; * Not sign the Termo de Consentimento Livre Esclarecido (TCLE); * Be performing or have performed IMT using linear load equipment in the last month.
Where this trial is running
Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais
- Academia Compasso - Kapura — Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Diego M Xavier, PhD student
- Email: diegomendesxav@gmail.com
- Phone: +55 31 997106999
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.