Land- and water-based inspiratory muscle training for young swimmers

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Performance in Young Swimmers: a Comparison of Land- and Water-based Applications

NA · Ondokuz Mayıs University · NCT07493837

This four-week program will try land- and water-based breathing muscle training to see if it improves breathing strength and 100- and 200-meter freestyle performance in competitive swimmers aged 13–18.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorOndokuz Mayıs University (other)
Locations1 site (Samsun, Atakum)
Trial IDNCT07493837 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Thirty competitive swimmers aged 13–18 will be recruited and assigned to three groups: Land + IMT, Swimming + IMT, and Water + IMT. Each group will complete a four-week training protocol specific to the assigned modality, with training sessions in the pool or on land as appropriate. Participants will undergo before-and-after testing including anthropometry, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, 100- and 200-meter freestyle times, stroke rate and efficiency, and cardiopulmonary capacity. The design compares different IMT delivery methods to determine their relative effects on performance and selected physiological variables.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are competitive swimmers aged 13–18 who have trained regularly for at least two years and currently follow about 20 hours/week of pool training and 8 hours/week of land training and are medically fit for IMT.

Not a fit: Those with acute or chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders, current respiratory infections, or on medications affecting exercise may not benefit and are excluded from the protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could strengthen respiratory muscles and produce modest improvements in swim performance and endurance for young competitive swimmers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in athletes, including some swimmer studies, has shown modest performance gains with inspiratory muscle training, but protocols vary and evidence in young competitive swimmers is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

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.

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Exclusion Criteria:

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.

Where this trial is running

Samsun, Atakum

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sport Performance, Inspiratory Muscle Training, Young swimmers, inspiratory muscle training, swimming performance

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.