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

NCT06604741 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: Sumayya Karim
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 64
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Healthy Young Adults

Keywords

Inspiratory muscle training; High volume intensity training; Low volume intensity training; Swimmers

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)

  Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measured through digital spirometer. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) measured through digital spirometer. Three zones of measurement are commonly used to interpret peak flow rates. Normal value of PEFR is (80-100%). Green zone indicates 80 to 100 percent of the usual or normal peak flow reading, yellow zone indicates 50 to 79 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings, and red zone indicates less than 50 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings.

  6 weeks

• Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

  Forced vital capacity (FVC) measured through digital spirometer. If the value of FVC is within 80% of the reference value, the results are considered normal. Changes in FVC from baseline to 3rd week and after 6 weeks day of intervention will be assessed.

  6 weeks

• Forced Expiratory volume in 1sec (FEV1)

  Forced expiratory volume in 1sec (FEV1) measured through digital spirometer. If the value of FEV1 is within 80% of the reference value, the results are considered normal.

  6 weeks

• Swimming efficiency (SWOLF) score

  A SWOLF score is a metric used in swimming to assess efficiency. It combines the time it takes to swim a distance (in seconds) with the number of strokes taken to complete that distance.

  6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

High volume intensity (HVIMT)

EXPERIMENTAL

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.

Other: Assigned interventions for HVIMT

Low volume intensity LVIMT

EXPERIMENTAL

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.

Other: Assigned Interventions for LVIMT

Interventions

Assigned Interventions for LVIMT 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.

Low volume intensity LVIMT

Assigned interventions for HVIMT 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.

High volume intensity (HVIMT)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 24 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

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

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Bahira Active Club.

Islamabad, Federal, 04403, Pakistan

Location

Study Officials

• Suman Sheraz, PhD

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 18, 2024
• First Posted: September 19, 2024
• Study Start: May 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: June 30, 2025
• Study Completion: June 30, 2025
• Last Updated: August 19, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)