NCT07406386

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

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 28 (actual)
• Sponsor: Gümüşhane Universıty · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

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.

Detailed description

Aerobic capacity and respiratory efficiency are critical determinants of performance in elite soccer. Halotherapy, a non-pharmacological intervention involving inhalation of dry salt aerosol in a controlled environment, has been shown to improve pulmonary health in clinical populations; however, evidence in athletic populations remains limited. This randomized parallel-group trial was conducted during the preseason period of the Turkish Women's First League. Twenty-eight elite female soccer players were randomly allocated to a halotherapy group or a control group. Both groups completed an identical 12-week soccer training program. In addition to training, the halotherapy group underwent 45-minute halotherapy sessions three times per week in a controlled halochamber environment. Outcome measures included maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP, MEP), pulmonary function parameters (FVC, FEV₁, PEF, MVV), aerobic capacity estimated via the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, and total distance covered in the Yo-Yo test. Measurements were collected before and after the intervention period. The study aimed to determine whether halotherapy provides additive benefits to standard soccer training in elite female athletes.

Conditions

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

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Halotherapy Group	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	Control	Participants followed the same standard preseason soccer training program without halotherapy.

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-04-05
• Primary completion: 2022-07-15
• Completion: 2022-07-20
• First posted: 2026-02-12
• Last updated: 2026-02-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)