AUTHOR=Fan Yuncai , Duan Yucheng , Gao Zhiqing , Liu Yong 

TITLE=Inspiratory muscle resistance combined with strength training: effects on aerobic capacity in artistic swimmers

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1476344

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2024.1476344

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Objective</title><p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining inspiratory muscle resistance with strength training on lung function and aerobic capacity in artistic swimmers.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>This research constitutes a placebo-controlled randomized trial, involving a five-week walking program conducted twice a week. Fourteen female artistic swimmers were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (TG group, <italic>n</italic> = 7) or the control group (CG group, <italic>n</italic> = 7). Both groups underwent the same strength training program. The TG group performed inspiratory muscle strengthening at 50% of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) during strength training, whereas the CG group engaged in strength training with 15% MIP inspiratory muscle training twice a week. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included an incremental stress test, pulmonary function test, inspiratory muscle strength test, and a specialized performance test.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>Following the 5-week intervention, within-group comparisons revealed that the inspiratory muscle strength index, vital capacity, and forced vital capacity significantly increased in both the CG and TG groups (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.01). The TG group exhibited a significant increase in minute ventilation (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05), while the CG group showed a significant increase in tidal volume (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the TG group demonstrated a significant improvement in running speed at the ventilation threshold and maximum oxygen uptake (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05), along with a significant increase in tidal volume (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.01). Both the CG and TG groups showed significant increases in the scores for the 50-meter diving and 25-meter torpedo (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05). Between-group comparisons showed that the TG group experienced significant improvements in the inspiratory muscle strength index, minute ventilation, running speed corresponding to maximum oxygen uptake, and 25-meter torpedo performance (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05).</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>The findings suggest that a 5-week program combining inspiratory muscle resistance with strength training can effectively enhance the aerobic exercise capacity of artistic swimmers. Moreover, high-intensity inspiratory muscle resistance combined with strength training can improve the muscle's ability to utilize oxygen during exercise.
</p></sec><sec><title>Trial Registration</title><p>Beijing Research Institute of Sports Science (TKSLL202201); China Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300072833, 26/06/2023.</p></sec>