About this trial
Objective To evaluate the acute effect of four inspiratory warm-up intensities (15%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure \[MIP\]) on 100 m freestyle performance, and to analyze their impact on heart rate, blood lactate concentration, perceived exertion, and dyspnea in trained swimmers.
Methods A randomized, crossover, double-blind experimental study was conducted. Participants were swimmers aged ≥18 years, with no respiratory or musculoskeletal pathology.
Each participant completed, in sessions separated by at least three days, an inspiratory muscle warm-up consisting of 30 breaths against resistive loads set at 15%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of their MIP, previously determined using standardized procedures.
Following each intervention, participants performed a maximal 100 m freestyle test. The following variables were recorded:
Swimming time Heart rate (during and post-exercise) Post-exercise capillary blood lactate concentration Rating of perceived exertion (Borg scale) Dyspnea (Dyspnea-12)
Conclusions This study will help identify the optimal inspiratory warm-up intensity to enhance swimming performance.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
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.
Disqualifiers
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.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- POWERbreath