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Effects of Inspiratory Training on Respiratory Function in Swimming

12 mai 2026 mis à jour par: Agustin Velazquez Córdoba, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Effects of Inspiratory Training on Respiratory Function, Diaphragmatic Structure, and Cardiac Response in Healthy Adults During Aquatic Exercise.

Introduction:

The diaphragm is the primary inspiratory muscle and plays a key role in ventilation, trunk stability, and exercise efficiency. Its dysfunction is associated with early fatigue, increased respiratory work, and reduced performance. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to improve respiratory function and exercise tolerance. Swimming, due to its specific characteristics, imposes an additional demand on the respiratory muscles.

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of an IMT program on diaphragmatic function, respiratory variables, cardiorespiratory response, and performance in swimmers.

Methods:

A randomized, parallel, double-blind clinical trial with 34 swimmers. The experimental group will perform an 8-week IMT program with progressive loads, while the control group will use a sham device without resistance. Diaphragmatic function will be assessed using ultrasound (thickness and excursion), along with respiratory variables (MIP, FEV₁, MEP, FVC), cardiovascular variables (heart rate, HRV), metabolic variables (lactate), and performance (100 m test).

Expected results:

IMT is expected to improve diaphragmatic function, increase inspiratory muscle strength, enhance ventilatory efficiency, and reduce respiratory fatigue, leading to improvements in performance and physiological responses to exercise.

Conclusion:

IMT could be an effective strategy to enhance respiratory function and swimming performance. This study provides a novel approach by incorporating ultrasound assessment of the diaphragm in an aquatic exercise context.

Aperçu de l'étude

Description détaillée

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration. It is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle located between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Its contraction increases thoracic volume, allowing air to enter the lungs. Beyond respiration, it contributes to core stability and postural control during movement and exercise.

Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT)

IMT is a training method that involves breathing against a resistive load to strengthen the inspiratory muscles, mainly the diaphragm and accessory muscles. It is used to improve respiratory strength, endurance, and ventilatory efficiency, especially in athletes and clinical populations.

Respiratory function

Respiratory function refers to the ability of the respiratory system to ventilate, exchange gases, and maintain adequate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. It is commonly assessed using spirometric and pressure-based measures.

Diaphragmatic dysfunction

This refers to a reduced ability of the diaphragm to generate force or excursion, leading to impaired ventilation. It may result in increased breathing effort, reduced exercise tolerance, and earlier onset of respiratory fatigue.

Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)

MIP is the maximum negative pressure generated during a forceful inspiration against an occluded airway. It is a key indicator of inspiratory muscle strength, especially diaphragmatic function.

Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁)

FEV₁ is the volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled in the first second of a forced expiration. It is a standard measure of airway function and pulmonary performance.

Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP)

MEP represents the maximum pressure generated during a forceful expiration. It reflects the strength of expiratory muscles such as abdominal and intercostal muscles.

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

FVC is the total volume of air exhaled forcefully after a maximal inspiration. It reflects lung capacity and ventilatory function.

Heart rate

Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute. It reflects cardiovascular response to exercise intensity and autonomic nervous system activity.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

HRV is the variation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. It is a marker of autonomic nervous system balance, particularly sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.

Blood lactate

Blood lactate is a metabolic byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis. Elevated levels indicate increased reliance on anaerobic energy systems and higher metabolic stress during intense exercise.

100-meter swimming test

A standardized performance test measuring the time required to complete 100 meters freestyle swimming at maximal effort. It is used to assess anaerobic and aerobic performance capacity in swimmers.

Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

An experimental study design in which participants are randomly assigned to different intervention groups to reduce bias and ensure comparability.

Parallel design

A study design where two or more groups are followed simultaneously, each receiving a different intervention throughout the study period.

Double-blind design

A methodological approach in which neither participants nor researchers know group allocation, minimizing expectation and measurement bias.

Sham device (placebo IMT)

A device designed to mimic IMT without providing meaningful resistance, used to control for placebo effects in training studies.

Ultrasound assessment

A non-invasive imaging technique used to evaluate diaphragm structure and function in real time, including thickness and movement during breathing.

Diaphragmatic thickness

The measurement of the muscle layer of the diaphragm, often assessed at rest and during contraction to evaluate contractile capacity.

Diaphragmatic excursion

The movement amplitude of the diaphragm during breathing, reflecting its functional mobility and efficiency.

Type d'étude

Interventionnel

Inscription (Estimé)

34

Phase

  • N'est pas applicable

Contacts et emplacements

Cette section fournit les coordonnées de ceux qui mènent l'étude et des informations sur le lieu où cette étude est menée.

Lieux d'étude

      • Madrid, Espagne
        • Club de natación Moscardó

Critères de participation

Les chercheurs recherchent des personnes qui correspondent à une certaine description, appelée critères d'éligibilité. Certains exemples de ces critères sont l'état de santé général d'une personne ou des traitements antérieurs.

Critère d'éligibilité

Âges éligibles pour étudier

  • Adulte
  • Adulte plus âgé

Accepte les volontaires sains

Oui

La description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Participants of both sexes, aged over 18 years.
  • Minimum swimming training frequency of at least two sessions per week, with a minimum duration of 30 minutes per session, consistently maintained over the last three months.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current or previous diagnosis of respiratory diseases.
  • Musculoskeletal injuries limiting the ability to perform a 100-meter swimming test.
  • Participation in inspiratory muscle training programs within the last six months.

Plan d'étude

Cette section fournit des détails sur le plan d'étude, y compris la façon dont l'étude est conçue et ce que l'étude mesure.

Comment l'étude est-elle conçue ?

Détails de conception

  • Objectif principal: Traitement
  • Répartition: Randomisé
  • Modèle interventionnel: Affectation parallèle
  • Masquage: Seul

Armes et Interventions

Groupe de participants / Bras
Intervention / Traitement
Comparateur actif: Inspiratory training
The experimental group will perform an eight-week home-based training program using the POWERbreathe EX1-MR device, individually calibrated according to MIP. Participants will complete 30 deep inspirations per session, twice daily, seven days per week, with progressive intensities: 30% of initial MIP during weeks 1-2, 50% of the new MIP during weeks 3-4, 60% during weeks 5-6, and 70% of MIP during weeks 7-8, with the aim of familiarizing participants with the device and progressively adapting the diaphragm to increasing loads.
The experimental group will perform an eight-week home-based training program using the POWERbreathe EX1-MR device, individually calibrated according to MIP. Participants will complete 30 deep inspirations per session, twice daily, seven days a week, with progressive intensities: 30% of initial MIP during weeks 1-2, 50% of the new MIP during weeks 3-4, 60% during weeks 5-6, and 70% of MIP during weeks 7-8, with the aim of familiarizing participants with the device and progressively adapting the diaphragm to increasing loads.
Comparateur placebo: Placebo
The control group will use the same device without resistance, maintaining the same breathing frequency and volume in order to control for the placebo effect.
The control group will use the same device without resistance, maintaining the same breathing frequency and volume to control for the placebo effect.

Que mesure l'étude ?

Principaux critères de jugement

Mesure des résultats
Description de la mesure
Délai
Sport performance
Délai: This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
Total time and split times for completing 100 m freestyle.
This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
Maximal inspiratory pressure.
Délai: This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
Inspiratory variables: Inspiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring MIP using the POWERbreathe Smart Adaptor device. The participant was seated and used a mouthpiece with a leak hole to minimize activation of the orofacial musculature. The procedure consisted of a maximal expiration to residual volume, followed by a maximal inspiration sustained against the device for at least 2 seconds. Three attempts were performed with rest periods of at least 1 minute, and the highest value was selected.
This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
Maximal espiratory pressure.
Délai: This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
Expiratory variables: Pulmonary function was assessed using forced spirometry, recording FEV₁, MEP, and FVC with the MIR Spirobank Oxi Portable Spirometer device. For a manoeuvre to be acceptable, the subject had to perform a maximal inspiration followed by a rapid and continuous forced expiration, without coughing during the first second and with a smooth flow-volume curve, without leaks. The expiration had to last at least 6 seconds or until a volume plateau was reached. Manoeuvres with interruptions, false efforts, or closed glottis were discarded. Three acceptable manoeuvres were performed, and results were considered valid when the two best FEV₁ and FVC values differed by less than 150 mL. If this variability criterion was not met, additional attempts were performed until reproducible results were obtained.
This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.

Mesures de résultats secondaires

Mesure des résultats
Description de la mesure
Délai
lactate
Délai: This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
It will be taken from the fingertip immediately after completing the test, following the extraction protocol to ensure measurement validity. The device will be calibrated before each testing session according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
Perceived exertion.
Délai: This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
The Borg scale (6-20) will be previously explained to the participant using standardized instructions to ensure full understanding. Perceived intensity will be recorded immediately after the test through a direct interview with the evaluator.
This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
Dysnea
Délai: This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
It will be administered verbally and individually by the evaluator immediately after physical exertion, ensuring that the participant understands each item. The test consists of 12 questions rated on a 0-3 Likert scale for each item.
This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
Heart rate.
Délai: This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
It will be placed on the anterior thoracic region, just below the xiphoid process. The device will be calibrated and checked according to the manufacturer's instructions before each test. Heart rate will be recorded in real time from the start until five minutes after the test. Data will be analyzed using Polar Flow software, including mean heart rate (HRmean), maximum heart rate (HRmax), recovery time (RT), and heart rate variability (HRV). The data will then be further analyzed in Polar Flow.
This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
Diaphragmatic excursion
Délai: This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
It was assessed on the right hemidiaphragm to ensure an adequate acoustic window. The transducer was placed in the anterior subcostal region at the midclavicular line, with a craniocaudal orientation and slight medial angulation. First, B-mode ultrasound was used to identify the diaphragmatic dome as a hyperechoic, mobile line. Subsequently, M-mode was activated, aligning the cursor perpendicular to the diaphragmatic movement, and vertical displacement was recorded from the end of quiet expiration to maximal voluntary inspiration. Three valid manoeuvres were performed, and the highest value was selected for analysis, expressed in centimeters.
This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
Diaphragmatic thickening
Délai: This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.
It was assessed by placing the transducer in the diaphragm's zone of apposition, located between the 8th and 10th intercostal spaces along the midaxillary line. In B-mode, the diaphragm was identified as a hypoechoic structure bounded by two hyperechoic lines corresponding to the pleura and peritoneum. Diaphragmatic thickness was measured at the end of quiet expiration and during maximal voluntary inspiration. Three consecutive respiratory cycles were recorded, and the mean value was used for final analysis.
This measurement will be carried out from the randomization process until 8 weeks after the start of the inspiratory training program.

Collaborateurs et enquêteurs

C'est ici que vous trouverez les personnes et les organisations impliquées dans cette étude.

Les enquêteurs

  • Chercheur principal: Agustin c Velazquez, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Dates d'enregistrement des études

Ces dates suivent la progression des dossiers d'étude et des soumissions de résultats sommaires à ClinicalTrials.gov. Les dossiers d'étude et les résultats rapportés sont examinés par la Bibliothèque nationale de médecine (NLM) pour s'assurer qu'ils répondent à des normes de contrôle de qualité spécifiques avant d'être publiés sur le site Web public.

Dates principales de l'étude

Début de l'étude (Estimé)

1 septembre 2026

Achèvement primaire (Estimé)

1 décembre 2026

Achèvement de l'étude (Estimé)

1 janvier 2027

Dates d'inscription aux études

Première soumission

18 avril 2026

Première soumission répondant aux critères de contrôle qualité

12 mai 2026

Première publication (Réel)

19 mai 2026

Mises à jour des dossiers d'étude

Dernière mise à jour publiée (Réel)

19 mai 2026

Dernière mise à jour soumise répondant aux critères de contrôle qualité

12 mai 2026

Dernière vérification

1 avril 2026

Plus d'information

Termes liés à cette étude

Autres numéros d'identification d'étude

  • 150120261552026
  • Sponsor-Investigator (Autre identifiant: Agustín Velázquez Córdoba)

Plan pour les données individuelles des participants (IPD)

Prévoyez-vous de partager les données individuelles des participants (DPI) ?

OUI

Description du régime IPD

Plan description:

At present, no definitive decision has been made regarding the sharing of individual participant data. The possibility of sharing anonymized data with other researchers is being considered in order to promote scientific transparency, reproducibility of results, and the development of future research.

However, this decision will be subject to strict compliance with applicable data protection regulations (GDPR), the safeguarding of participant confidentiality, and the evaluation of the sample size and the specific context of the study.

If data are shared, they will be provided exclusively in anonymized format, upon justified request and under formal data use agreements.

Informations sur les médicaments et les dispositifs, documents d'étude

Étudie un produit pharmaceutique réglementé par la FDA américaine

Non

Étudie un produit d'appareil réglementé par la FDA américaine

Non

Ces informations ont été extraites directement du site Web clinicaltrials.gov sans aucune modification. Si vous avez des demandes de modification, de suppression ou de mise à jour des détails de votre étude, veuillez contacter register@clinicaltrials.gov. Dès qu'un changement est mis en œuvre sur clinicaltrials.gov, il sera également mis à jour automatiquement sur notre site Web .

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