NCT07246655

Inspiratory Muscle Training in American Football Players

Effects of High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Balance, and Core Endurance in American Football Players

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 24 (actual)
• Sponsor: Yeditepe University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The aim of the randomized controlled study is to investigate the effects of high-intensity inspiratory muscle training on respiratory strength, balance, and core endurance in American Football (Tackle Football) athletes.

Detailed description

After completing baseline assessments, participants will be randomly assigned to either the High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Training group (IMT Group) or the Control Group (CG) using simple randomization procedures. All athletes in both groups will continue their regular team-based strength and conditioning routines throughout the 8-week study period. Participants in the IMT Group will additionally perform a high-intensity inspiratory muscle training protocol three times per week, with training loads set at approximately 80% of each athlete's measured maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). Training intensity will be reassessed bi-weekly and adjusted according to updated MIP values to ensure that the prescribed load is maintained throughout the intervention. The Control Group will not receive inspiratory muscle training and will perform only their routine training program. All athletes will be evaluated at baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention. Outcome measures will include respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP), dynamic and static balance performance, core muscle endurance (McGill core endurance tests), and sport-specific performance parameters relevant to American football. Assessments will be carried out by the same researcher to minimize inter-rater variability, and all training sessions will be supervised to ensure protocol adherence. Data will be collected and recorded systematically at both time points, and all procedures will follow established ATS/ERS guidelines for respiratory muscle testing and standard sports science assessment protocols.

Conditions

• Inspiratory Muscle Training

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Training	Participants in the IMT Group will perform an 8-week high-intensity inspiratory muscle training protocol in addition to their routine team-based strength and conditioning program. Training loads will be individualized based on each athlete's maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and set at approximately 80% of MIP. Loads will be reassessed every two weeks, and the resistance will be adjusted to maintain the prescribed intensity.
BEHAVIORAL	Control Group	Participants in the Control Group will continue their standard team-based strength, conditioning, and field training sessions throughout the 8-week study period. They will not receive inspiratory muscle training or any additional respiratory intervention.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-11-20
• Primary completion: 2026-01-20
• Completion: 2026-01-21
• First posted: 2025-11-24
• Last updated: 2026-01-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)