Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up in Combat Athletes

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) on technical performance and physiological responses in combat athletes. A total of 20 volunteer athletes (10 males, 10 females), aged 15-22 years, registered with the Turkish Kickboxing and Muay Thai Federation, with at least two years of licensed sports experience and medal achievements at the national or international level, will be included in the study. The study will be conducted using a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, crossover experimental design, in which participants will complete the control (general warm-up), placebo (15% MIP), and IMW (40% MIP) conditions in a random order.

In each session, before and after the warm-up, pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF), respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP), heart rate, perceived exertion, and dyspnea levels will be assessed. In addition, athletes will perform the Kickboxing Fitness Test (KFT), and the same measurements will be repeated during the rest intervals of the test and immediately after its completion. The IMW protocol will be performed using a POWERbreathe device at 40% of MIP, consisting of 2 sets of 30 breaths. Furthermore, maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) tests will be conducted to evaluate the athletes' general physiological capacity. This study is expected to provide original data for the field of sports sciences by demonstrating the potential contributions of inspiratory muscle warm-up to the improvement of technical skills and physiological capacity in combat athletes, and to generate practical scientific recommendations for coaches and athletes.