Aerobic Performance, Athletic Performance, Elite Female Athletes, Halotherapy, Respiratory Function, Respiratory Muscle Strength
Conditions
Keywords
Halotherapy, Elite female soccer players, Respiratory muscle strength, Pulmonary function, Aerobic capacity, Non-pharmacological intervention
Brief 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.
Interventions
OTHERHalotherapy 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%).
OTHERControl
Participants followed the same standard preseason soccer training program without halotherapy.
Sponsors
Gümüşhane Universıty
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
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%).
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Female soccer players aged 18-30 years * Competing in the Turkish Women's First League * Minimum of 5 years of competitive soccer experience * Regular training ≥10 hours per week * Free from injury at study entry * Non-smokers * Not using chronic medication * Provided written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of respiratory, cardiovascular, or metabolic disease * Current musculoskeletal injury * Smoking * Pregnancy * Use of medications affecting respiratory or cardiovascular function
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) | 12 week | Expiratory muscle strength measured using a portable respiratory pressure meter. |
| Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) | 12 week | Inspiratory muscle strength measured using a portable respiratory pressure meter. |
| Aerobic Capacity (VO₂max estimate) | 12 week | VO₂max estimated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) | 12 week | Measured by spirometry. |
| Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV₁) | 12 weeks | Measured by spirometry. |
| Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) | 12 week | Measured by spirometry. |
| Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 Distance | 12 week | VO₂max estimated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed