Integrating Halotherapy Into Preseason Training Improves Respiratory and Aerobic Performance in Elite Female Soccer Players

NCT07406386 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2022/2-3
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 28
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week halotherapy intervention on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, aerobic capacity, and intermittent running performance in elite female soccer players. Participants were randomly assigned to either a halotherapy group or a control group. Both groups followed the same preseason soccer training program, while the halotherapy group additionally received regular halotherapy sessions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included spirometric measurements, respiratory muscle strength, estimated VO₂max, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 performance.

Conditions

Aerobic Performance; Respiratory Function; Athletic Performance; Respiratory Muscle Strength; Elite Female Athletes; Halotherapy

Keywords

Halotherapy; Elite female soccer players; Respiratory muscle strength; Pulmonary function; Aerobic capacity; Non-pharmacological intervention

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP)

  Expiratory muscle strength measured using a portable respiratory pressure meter.

  12 week

• Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)

  Inspiratory muscle strength measured using a portable respiratory pressure meter.

  12 week

• Aerobic Capacity (VO₂max estimate)

  VO₂max estimated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1.

  12 week

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

  12 week

• Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV₁)

  12 weeks

• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)

  12 week

• Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 Distance

  12 week

Study Arms (2)

Halotherapy Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants followed the standard preseason soccer training program and additionally received halotherapy. Halotherapy sessions were conducted in a controlled halochamber using a dry salt aerosol generator. Sessions lasted 45 minutes and were performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Aerosol concentration was maintained at approximately 20 mg/m³ with particle size \<5 microns. Environmental conditions were controlled (temperature 20-24°C, humidity 40-60%).

Other: Halotherapy Group; Other: Control

CONTROL

NO INTERVENTION

Participants followed the same standard preseason soccer training program without halotherapy.

Interventions

Halotherapy Group OTHER

Participants followed the standard preseason soccer training program and additionally received halotherapy. Halotherapy sessions were conducted in a controlled halochamber using a dry salt aerosol generator. Sessions lasted 45 minutes and were performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Aerosol concentration was maintained at approximately 20 mg/m³ with particle size \<5 microns. Environmental conditions were controlled (temperature 20-24°C, humidity 40-60%).

Halotherapy Group

Control OTHER

Participants followed the same standard preseason soccer training program without halotherapy.

Halotherapy Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Female soccer players aged 18-30 years Competing in the Turkish Women's First League Minimum of 5 years of competitive soccer experience
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Female soccer players aged 18-30 years
• Competing in the Turkish Women's First League
• Minimum of 5 years of competitive soccer experience
• Regular training ≥10 hours per week
• Free from injury at study entry
• Non-smokers
• Not using chronic medication
• Provided written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of respiratory, cardiovascular, or metabolic disease
• Current musculoskeletal injury
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Use of medications affecting respiratory or cardiovascular function

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gümüşhane Universıty: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gumushane Univetsity

Gümüşhane, Trabzon, Ordu, Giresun, Rize, Artvin, Gümüşhane, 29600, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Respiratory Aspiration

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Respiration Disorders; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Director

Model Details: Halotherapy sessions were conducted in a controlled halochamber using a dry salt aerosol generator. Sessions lasted 45 minutes and were performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Aerosol concentration was maintained at approximately 20 mg/m³ with particle size \<5 microns. Environmental conditions were controlled (temperature 20-24°C, humidity 40-60%).

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 6, 2026
• First Posted: February 12, 2026
• Study Start: April 5, 2022
• Primary Completion: July 15, 2022
• Study Completion: July 20, 2022
• Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)