High vs Low Volume Intensity Training With IMT On Pulmonary Function And Breathing Efficiency On Recreational Swimmers.

NCT ID: NCT06604741

Last Updated: 2025-08-19

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 64 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-05-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-06-30

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the impact of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory function and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Given the importance of optimal respiratory function in swimming, this trial investigates whether IMT can improve swimming performance metrics, such as lap times and endurance, and overall respiratory health.

Detailed Description

Effective respiratory function is crucial for swimmers, given the demanding nature of the sport. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to improve respiratory muscle strength and endurance in various populations. This study aims to explore the effects of IMT specifically on competitive swimmers, assessing both physiological and performance-related outcomes. To assess whether a structured IMT program improves swimming performance, respiratory muscle strength, and overall respiratory efficiency in recreational swimmers. A randomized controlled trial involving 56 competitive swimmers will be conducted. The study duration will be 8 weeks, with assessments conducted at baseline, mid-point, and at the end of the intervention. The IMT groups will participate in a 20-30 minute training session, 4 to 5 times per week, using power breath device . The training will focus on enhancing inspiratory muscle strength and endurance. This study aims to provide robust evidence on the benefits of IMT for swimmers, potentially informing future training practices and enhancing competitive performance.

Conditions

Healthy Young Adults

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: OTHER
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

High volume intensity (HVIMT)

High-volume intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is a therapeutic approach designed to improve respiratory muscle strength and endurance. In this clinical trial, participants will engage in a structured regimen of inspiratory exercises with high resistance and significant repetition volume.

Participants will perform inspiratory muscle exercises using power breath that provides high resistance, with a focus on both intensity and volume. The protocol involves 3 sessions per day for 6 weeks.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Assigned interventions for HVIMT

Intervention Type: OTHER

The HVIMT group is trained twice daily, with the morning session matching the LV-IMT protocol, and an additional afternoon session. The HVIMT group also experienced a progressive increase in intensity, starting at 60% MIP and reaching 80% by the end of the study. LVIMT works for beginner or individuals with limited respiratory capacity while HVIMT is used for individual with high baseline respiratory fitness.

The intervals are typically shorter in duration (e.g., 30 seconds to 2 minutes) with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:1 or 1:2.

POSITION; Seated upright position. FREQUENCY: more frequency two session per week. 4-5 sessions per week. INTENSITY: high resistance. 60%-80% MIP.

(gradual increment the load by 10% every 2 weeks to reach 80% MIP)

TIME: longer duration 20-30 mint.

Low volume intensity LVIMT

Participants will engage in a structured training program involving inspiratory muscle exercises with high resistance and a high volume of repetitions. The regimen includes multiple sessions per day over several weeks, using specialized inspiratory muscle training devices.

Changes in inspiratory muscle strength (measured by maximal inspiratory pressure) and endurance.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Assigned Interventions for LVIMT

Intervention Type: OTHER

IMT is a form of exercise designed to strengthen the muscle involved inhalation, primarily the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

The LVIMT group will perform IMT once daily, 5 days a week, maintaining 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) throughout the 6-week intervention.

The intervals are typically longer in duration (e.g., 2-4 minutes) with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:1 or 1:0.5.

POSITION: rested and seated position. FREQUENCY: more frequency, once a day. 2-3 sessions per week. INTENSITY: Low resistance. Only 60%% MIP. TIME: shorter duration of 10-20 mint.

Interventions

Assigned Interventions for LVIMT

IMT is a form of exercise designed to strengthen the muscle involved inhalation, primarily the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

The LVIMT group will perform IMT once daily, 5 days a week, maintaining 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) throughout the 6-week intervention.

The intervals are typically longer in duration (e.g., 2-4 minutes) with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:1 or 1:0.5.

POSITION: rested and seated position. FREQUENCY: more frequency, once a day. 2-3 sessions per week. INTENSITY: Low resistance. Only 60%% MIP. TIME: shorter duration of 10-20 mint.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Assigned interventions for HVIMT

The HVIMT group is trained twice daily, with the morning session matching the LV-IMT protocol, and an additional afternoon session. The HVIMT group also experienced a progressive increase in intensity, starting at 60% MIP and reaching 80% by the end of the study. LVIMT works for beginner or individuals with limited respiratory capacity while HVIMT is used for individual with high baseline respiratory fitness.

The intervals are typically shorter in duration (e.g., 30 seconds to 2 minutes) with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:1 or 1:2.

POSITION; Seated upright position. FREQUENCY: more frequency two session per week. 4-5 sessions per week. INTENSITY: high resistance. 60%-80% MIP.

(gradual increment the load by 10% every 2 weeks to reach 80% MIP)

TIME: longer duration 20-30 mint.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Male and Female Swimmers
• Age; 18-25
• Minimum of 2 years of regular swimming training experience, with at least 3 swimming sessions per week.

Exclusion Criteria

• Refusal to participate in the study.
• History of respiratory or cardiovascular conditions that could impact participation or results.
• Participation in any other respiratory or exercise-related intervention study within the last 6 months.
• Consumption of any medications or supplements that could potentially influence respiratory or cardiovascular function.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 24 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Riphah International University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Suman Sheraz, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Riphah International University

Locations

Bahira Active Club.

Islamabad, Federal, Pakistan

Countries

Pakistan

Other Identifiers

Sumayya Karim

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id