Effects Of Inspiratory Muscle Training Research Articles

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on thoracoabdominal volume regulation in older adults: A randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesWe investigated the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and respiratory muscle kinematics during exercise in healthy older adults. Methods24 adults were randomised into an IMT or SHAM-IMT group. Both groups performed 30 breaths, twice daily, for 8 weeks, at intensities of ∼50 % maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax; IMT) or <15 % PImax (SHAM-IMT). Measurements of PImax, breathing discomfort during a bout of IMT, six-minute walk distance, physical activity levels, and balance were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Respiratory muscle kinematics were assessed via optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) during constant work rate cycling. ResultsPImax was significantly improved (by 20.0±11.9 cmH2O; p=0.001) in the IMT group only. Breathing discomfort ratings during IMT significantly decreased (from 3.5±0.9–1.7±0.8). Daily sedentary time was decreased (by 28.0±39.8 min; p=0.042), and reactive balance significantly improved (by 1.2±0.8; p<0.001) in the IMT group only. OEP measures showed a significantly greater contribution of the pulmonary and abdominal rib cage compartments to total tidal volume expansion post-IMT. ConclusionsIMT significantly improves inspiratory muscle strength and breathing discomfort in this population. IMT induces greater rib cage expansion and diaphragm descent during exercise, thereby suggesting a less restrictive effect on thoracic expansion and increased diaphragmatic power generation.

Using Inspiratory Muscle Training to Improve Respiratory Strength, Functional Capacity, Fatigue, and Stress in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery.

The main aim of the trial was to assess the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, fatigue, and stress in post-surgical breast cancer survivors. Forty-seven females who had undergone unilateral post-mastectomy were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG; n = 24) and a control group (CG; n = 23). Both groups received aerobic exercise training. In addition, the intervention group received inspiratory muscle training 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure (Pimax) (Pemex), 6-minute walk test, Handgrip strength by hand-held dynamometer, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and Perceived Stress Scale pss 10 values were measured before the training and then at the eighth week for both groups. No differences were detected between the groups in terms of sample and clinical characteristics 8 weeks post-intervention. In favor of the intervention group, a significant difference with medium to high effect size was found in terms of Pimax, Pemax, FAS, PS, and 6MWT (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in terms of handgrip strength (p-value: 0.072), with a medium effect size (0.070). Regarding within-group comparisons, IG exhibited substantial differences in all outcome measures (p < 0.05) compared to CG, with the exception of PImax and 6MWT. In post-operative breast cancer survivors, respiratory muscle training combined with aerobic training increases respiratory muscle strength and functional ability while lowering stress and tiredness.

Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients Living with Chronic Kidney Disease and Receiving Hemodialysis: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and receiving hemodialysis (HD) have impaired respiratory muscle strength and endurance. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, lung function, quality of life, endothelial function, and oxidative stress in people living with CKD and receiving HD. An electronic search was conducted from inception to June 2023. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, lung function, endothelial function, quality of life, or oxidative stress in adults living with CKD and receiving HD, compared with control, placebo IMT, or conventional physical therapy, were included. Eight studies were included, totaling 246 people. The meta-analysis showed that IMT increased the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) by 22.53cm H2O, the maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) by 19.54cm H2O, and the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test by 77.63m. Changes in lung function and quality of life were not observed. It was not possible to quantitatively analyze data on endothelial function and oxidative stress. IMT improves MIP, MEP, and functional capacity in people living with CKD and receiving HD. IMT did not demonstrate significant results for lung function and quality of life. Effects on endothelial function and oxidative capacity remain uncertain. Inspiratory muscle training improves MIP, MEP, and functional capacity in people living with CKD and receiving HD, compared with conventional physical therapy or controls or placebo intervention. Increases in functional capacity in this population are extremely important because of the relationship with the survival of these people.

Effect of inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic performance, sports skills, and quality of life in wheelchair rugby athletes

IntroductionInspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been used in sports to improve factors that can positively influence sports performance. However, the effects of IMT on athletes with disabilities are less well explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IMT on the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic performance, sports skills, and quality of life (QoL) of wheelchair rugby (WCR) athletes. MethodsA pre–post-intervention case series study of IMT was carried out with six WCR athletes. Pulmonary function (spirometry), respiratory muscle strength (manovacuometry), aerobic (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and WCR skills (Beck Battery) performance and QoL (WHOQOL-DIS) were investigated. Participants were submitted to a six-week IMT with a linear load resistor involving 30 dynamic inspiratory maneuvers twice daily for five days/week. ResultsIncreases in maximum load (+14.6%; p = 0.03), maximum effort time (+19.4%; p = 0.03), absolute and percent of predicted maximal expiratory muscle pressure (both +13.2%; p = 0.04) and absolute and percent of predicted maximal inspiratory muscle pressure (both +28.6%; p = 0.04) were observed. No significant differences were observed for pulmonary function variables, WCR skills performance or QoL. ConclusionIMT seemed to be effective at improving the respiratory muscle strength and aerobic performance of WCR players but there was no impact on pulmonary function, sports skills or QoL.

Inspiratory Muscle Training in Phase 1 and 2 Postoperative Cardiac Rehabilitation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, length of hospital stay (LOS), and quality of life (QOL) following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Cochrane Handbook and included the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and CENTRAL. The review included randomized controlled trials utilizing IMT during phase 1 or 2 postoperative cardiac rehabilitation (PoCR) versus alternative treatment (active or passive control) in patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Fifteen studies were included (11 phase 1 studies, 4 phase 2 studies) with no reported adverse events. In phase 1 PoCR, IMT reduced the LOS (-1.02days; 95% CI = -2.00 to -0.03) and increased exercise capacity (6-minute walk distance [6MWD]).(+75.46m; 95% CI = 52.34 to 98.57), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (10.46cm H2O; 95% CI = 2.83 to 18.10), but had no effect on maximal expiratory pressure. In phase 2 PoCR, IMT increased 6MWD (45.84m; 95% CI = 10.89 to 80.80), MIP (-23.19cm H2O; 95% CI = -31.31 to -15), maximal expiratory pressure (20.18cm H2O; 95% CI = 9.60 to 30.76), and QOL (-11.17; 95% CI = -17.98 to -4.36), with no effect on peak oxygen uptake. There was a high risk of bias for MIP (75% of the phase 1 studies) and 6MWT (1 of 4 phase 2 studies). The quality of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate. IMT significantly improves exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, LOS, and QOL in phase 1 and 2 PoCR. IMT may benefit patients during phase 1 and 2 of PoCR, considering the safety, low cost, and potential benefits.

The effects of inspiratory muscle training on physical function in critically ill adults: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is one possible strategy to ameliorate respiratory muscle weakness due to invasive mechanical ventilation. Recent systematic reviews have focused on respiratory outcomes with minimal attention to physical function. The newest systematic review searched the literature until September 2017 and a recent preliminary search identified 5 new randomized controlled trials focusing on IMT in critical care. As such, a new systematic review is warranted to summarize the current body of evidence and to investigate the effect of IMT on physical function in critical care. We will search for three main concepts ("critical illness", "inspiratory muscle training", "RCT") across six databases from their inception (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Emcare, AMED, CINAHL, CENTRAL) and ClinicalTrials.gov. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility using the Covidence web-based software. Eligible studies must include: (1) adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) who required invasive mechanical ventilation for ≥24 hours, (2) an IMT intervention using a threshold device with the goal of improving inspiratory muscle strength, with or without usual care, and (3) randomized controlled trial design. The primary outcome of interest will be physical function. We will use the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tools (ROB2) and will assess the quality of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) tool. This protocol has been reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA- P) guidelines and is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Results will summarize the body of evidence of the effect of IMT on physical function in critically ill patients. We will submit our findings to a peer-reviewed journal and share our results at conferences.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review

Effects of inspiratory muscle training in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise capacity in individuals after stroke: A systematic review

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise capacity in individuals after stroke: A systematic review

Effects of Inspiratory Muscles Training on the Development of Respiratory Function in University Students: A Case Study of Guangzhou Sport University

Background and Aim: The objective of this research was to develop Inspiratory Muscle Training for Respiratory Function in University Students. Materials and Methods: This research was experimental research. From the initial 48 third-year college students recruited at Guangzhou Sport University, we excluded 8 students who also participated in other sports programs or had school absences due to personal reasons, leaving the remaining 40 students as experimental subjects. They had just learned Four kinds of swimming in their second year of college and began the early stages of formal swimming training. Using the simple randomization method, 40 male college students were divided into two groups, one experimental group and one control group with 20 students in each group. The experimental group participated in the swimming training three times a week and designed the respiratory control training. The control group participated in swimming training three times a week, and the whole training time was 6 weeks. The specific approach is as follows: before the grouping, the 50-meter freestyle test was conducted, ranked according to the swimming result from the highest to the highest, and the balance was allocated to the experimental group and the control group. This study investigated the effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory function in college swimmers from four aspects: (1) VC (vital capacity), (2) MIP (maximum inspiratory pressure), (3) MIF (maximum inspiratory flow), and (4) MIC (maximum inspiratory capacity). In this research, T-test and ANOVA were used to compare and analyze the data. The statistical significance level was 0.05. Result: After 6 weeks of continuous inspiratory muscle training in swimmers, regarding the index of vital capacity (VC), there was no significant change in the control group. However, there was a significant increase in the experimental group (p=0.01); regarding the three indicators of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum inspiratory flow (MIF), and maximum inspiratory capacity (MIC): both the experimental group and the control group showed an improvement, but the experimental group showed a greater improvement, and the enhancement appeared earlier. Conclusion: Inspiratory muscle training is beneficial to the development of respiratory function in university students.

Effect of post-extubation inspiratory muscle training on diaphragmatic function in mechanically ventilated patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Diaphragmatic dysfunction is a common problem in patients who have been mechanically ventilated. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on diaphragm muscle thickness and function in mechanically ventilated patients. A single-blind trial was conducted. Twenty patients were randomly assigned to either the conventional physiotherapy (CP) group or to the IMT group for 5 days following extubation. The CP group received only CP, while the IMT group received CP in addition to IMT. Ten healthy controls (HCs) underwent IMT. Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and physical function were recorded. Diaphragm excursion (DE), diaphragm thickness at the end of inspiration (Tdi), diaphragm thickness at the end of expiration (Tde), peak contraction velocity (PCV), and peak relaxation velocity (PRV) were evaluated with ultrasonography before and after the intervention. The IMT group and HCs showed significant improvements in DE (p = 0.005; p = 0.005, respectively), PCV (p = 0.028; p = 0.015, respectively) and PRV (p = 0.029; p = 0.020, respectively) after 5 days of IMT. A significant increase in MIP was recorded in all groups after the intervention (CP: p = 0.044; IMT: p = 0.005; HC: p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Physical Function in Intensive Care Test (PFIT) scores in both the CP and IMT groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Inspiratory muscle training improves diaphragmatic functions, including MIP, diaphragm excursion, PCV, and PRV. We think that IMT applied after extubation may serve as a tool to prevent and facilitate the recovery of diaphragmatic function.

The effect of respiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness/mobility, and exercise capacity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and associated shrinking lung syndrome.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can impact any organ in the body. The pathophysiology of shrinking lung syndrome (SLS), a rare pulmonary complication of SLE, remains unknown. The objective of the current case series was to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on diaphragm thickness/mobility, respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle thickness/strength, and functional exercise capacity in patients with SLE and associated SLS. Three patients with SLE were included in the case series. Respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, peripheral muscle thickness, diaphragm muscle thickness, diaphragm muscle mobility, functional exercise capacity, and pulmonary function test were assessed. A significant improvement has been determined in respiratory muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, peripheral muscle strength, peripheral muscle thickness, diaphragm muscle thickness, and diaphragm muscle mobility. This is the first case series showing the beneficial effects of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness/mobility, peripheral muscle thickness/strength, and exercise capacity in patients with SLE.

Effect Of Inspiratory Muscle Training On Agility In 7-12 Years School Going Children

Effect Of Inspiratory Muscle Training On Agility In 7-12 Years School Going Children

The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training, Incentive Spirometer and Deep Breathing Exercise in Asthmatic Patient: A Narrative Review

The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training, Incentive Spirometer and Deep Breathing Exercise in Asthmatic Patient: A Narrative Review

문턱값 들숨근훈련과 복합호흡훈련이 만성 뇌졸중 환자의 가로막 두께 및 호흡기능에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the application of inspiratory muscle training and complex breathing training on diaphragm thickness and respiratory function in individuals with chronic stroke.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 30 patients were randomly divided into experimental and control group. The experimental group performed 30 minutes of inspiratory muscle training and complex breathing training and 30 minutes lower limb ergometer training for a total of 60 minutes, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The control group performed 30 minutes of conventional physical therapy and 30 minutes lower limb ergometer training for a total of 60 minutes, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The diaphragm thickness of the participants was measured by using rehabilitative ultrasound image, and a respiratory function test was conducted using a Pony FX spirometer. These parameters were evaluated prior to the intervention and 6 weeks after the intervention.&#x0D; Results: In both groups, there was a significant difference (p&lt;.05) between the results obtained before and after training. There was significant improvement in the affected and unaffected diaphragm thickness during contraction, as well as the respiratory function, in the experimental group compared to the control group (p&lt;.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: In this study, we confirmed that there are significant effects of inspiratory muscle training and complex breathing training on diaphragm thickness and respiratory function in patients with chronic stroke.

Inspiratory muscle training in patients with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionObesity is a chronic medical condition that affects, among others, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Interventions for its treatment focus on sustained weight reduction and general health improvement, leaving respiratory management aside. Our objective was to determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients with obesity.MethodsA systematic review was performed in Embase, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), CINAHL, Web of Science, and PubMed/MEDLINE on June 26, 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and quasi-randomized clinical trials investigating the effects of IMT in people with obesity were included. Selected studies were screened by two independent reviewers who extracted data and assessed the quality of the evidence.ResultsThe initial search returned 705 potential studies were included. Ultimately, eight studies met the criteria for eligibility and were included in the review. IMT improves physical capacity [6-minute walk test (6MWT): 44.5 m, 95% CI: 30.5 to 58.5; p &amp;lt; 0.0001] and the strength of the inspiratory muscles [maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP): −28.4 cm H2O, 95% CI: −41.9 to −14.8; p &amp;lt; 0.0001] compared to the controls, without differences in the pulmonary function, body mass index (BMI) and metabolic parameters.ConclusionInspiratory muscle training improves physical capacity and inspiratory muscle strength without significant changes in lung function, BMI, and metabolic parameters.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023439625, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023439625.

What are the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT), with or without concomitant pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

What are the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT), with or without concomitant pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Effectiveness of Inspiratory Muscle Training among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Systematic Review

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to be effective for some types of illnesses or conditions, including respiratory problems, cardiac disorders, and neuromuscular disorders. Reduced exercise capacity and health-related quality of life, weakness of respiratory muscles, and complaints of dyspnea are all frequent among COPD patients. This study aimed to investigate whether the use of IMT can alter the consequences of COPD in patients and provide an updated understanding of the effects of IMT in COPD patients. The specific objectives of the study were to evaluate the effectiveness of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, exercise tolerance, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life in COPD patients. Included databases were the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Google Scholar, and PubMed. A preliminary selection of papers was produced using inclusion/exclusion criteria. Subsequently, a final selection was made based on the quality of the studies assessed using the PEDro scale. For the realization of this systematic review, seven studies were involved. According to the evidence gathered from the literature review, IMT therapy has been shown to improve respiratory muscle strength, exercise tolerance, perception of dyspnea, and health-related quality of life in COPD patients. It is necessary to conduct studies using high-quality, evidence-based data to draw more definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of IMT in COPD patients. Future research should examine whether these improvements are applicable to all COPD patient groups. Additionally, it should explore the long-term effectiveness of these therapeutic improvements and determine which IMT treatment protocol provides the most significant clinical benefits.

The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients With Lung Cancer After Surgery: A Systematic Review

Objective: The standard of care treatment of potentially resectable lung cancer (LC) is surgery. However, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and impairments in physical capacity are common. Recently, the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in postoperative patients with LC (PWLC) was investigated in these outcomes in different studies. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the effect of postoperative IMT (P-IMT) on PPCs and physical capacity in PWLC. Database: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL were searched. Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials, including control/sham group, IMT as the intervention group, and key measures including PPCs, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Vo 2peak, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), quality of life (QoL), physical activity level, hospital length of stay, spirometry. Data Synthesis: The quality of the studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The outcome findings were compared and interpreted. Results: Five studies with 249 patients were analyzed. The PEDro scores of studies ranged from 6 to 8. There is no significant difference in PPCs between the groups. The effects of P-IMT on the 6MWT, Vo 2Peak, MIP, MEP, and QoL were ambiguous. No effect of P-IMT on spirometry was reported. Conclusion: No effect of P-IMT in PPCs was reported. The effect of P-IMT on physical capacity and respiratory muscle strength was not observed. The level of the effect of P-IMT on hospital length of stay and postoperative physical activity was low. No optimal setting of P-IMT for PWLC with surgery was found. More studies are needed.

Effect of inspiratory muscle training on hypoxemia in obese patients undergoing painless gastroscopy: protocol for a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Obese patients who undergo painless gastroscopy are particularly prone to suffer from upper airway obstruction, respiratory depression, and subsequent hypoxemia. Despite adequate preoxygenation, the incidence of hypoxemia remains high. Recently, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been considered to be a promising strategy to increase respiratory muscle strength and endurance with the attendant improvement of pulmonary function. However, it remains unclear whether IMT is associated with a lower rate of hypoxemia in obese patients during this sedative procedure. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of IMT used in obese patients who are scheduled for selective painless gastroscopy. This prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will enroll 232 obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35-39.9 kg·m-2 who undergo painless gastroscopy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University. Subjects will be randomly assigned to two groups with a 1:1 ratio. Participants in both groups will receive IMT for 4 weeks prior to gastroscopy. The intervention group will receive IMT with a load of 30% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (Pi(max)) in the first week, with an increase of 10% per week since the following week, while the counterparts in the control group will not receive any load during the 4-week IMT. The primary outcome is the incidence of hypoxemia during painless gastroscopy. Secondary outcomes include the need for airway maneuvers, blood pressure changes, sleep quality assessment, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and monitoring of adverse events. The outcomes of this study will offer invaluable guidance for the clinical implementation of IMT as a potential non-invasive preventive measure. Additionally, it stands to enrich our comprehension of anesthesia management and airway-related challenges in obese patients undergoing procedural sedation, which we anticipate will further contribute to addressing the turnaround concerns within high-volume, swiftly paced ambulatory endoscopy centers. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University (2022, No.091). The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. China Clinical Trial Center (ChiCTR2200067041).

The effects of inspiratory muscle training on swimming performance: A study on the cohort of swimming specialization students

PurposeCurrent evidence posits a strong correlation between respiratory muscle function and swimming performance. Despite this, few studies have explored the integration of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) into standard swimming training regimens, which remains an unexplored avenue for improving performance in swimmers. This study aims to evaluate the potential advantages of IMT for enhancing respiratory function and swimming performance and determine whether such training could induce beneficial physiological adaptations. MethodsWe designed and conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 43 swimming specialization students aged 18–25 years. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: a control group, which followed regular swimming training, and an experimental group, which complemented the standard training with IMT. The intervention lasted for six weeks. Key outcomes measured included swimming performance metrics (time of 50 m freestyle, number of breaths in 50 m freestyle, distance before first breath in freestyle, time of 100 m freestyle) and various inspiratory muscle function parameters such as vital capacity (VC), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum inspiratory flow (MIF), and maximum inspiratory capacity (MIC). We also assessed certain biochemical parameters, including hemoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), testosterone, and cortisol concentrations. ResultsFollowing the training period, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in swimming performance and respiratory function parameters. We also noted an increase in hemoglobin levels and a reduction in testosterone concentrations in this group, suggesting beneficial physiological adaptations in response to the combined IMT and swimming training. ConclusionOur findings underline the potential of IMT as a supplementary training modality for enhancing respiratory function and improving swimming performance. The changes in biochemical parameters suggest physiological adaptations that might contribute to these observed improvements. This study opens the door for future research on the benefits of integrating IMT into training regimens for competitive swimmers. Further investigation is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind the observed benefits and to validate these findings in a larger cohort and other athlete populations.