Inspiratory Muscle Training, Jump Performance, Precision Sport Performance, Shooting Performance
Conditions
Keywords
Inspiratory Muscle Training, Jump performance, Shooting performance, SCATT, Reaction Time
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a four-week inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program on physical and motor performance parameters and shooting accuracy in elite male air pistol athletes. Twenty athletes were randomly assigned to either an IMT group or a control group. Outcome measures included jumping performance, reaction time, flexibility, and shooting accuracy assessed via the SCATT system. The findings demonstrated that IMT significantly improved lower-limb explosive power and shooting performance without affecting reaction time or flexibility.
Detailed description
Air pistol shooting is a precision sport requiring postural stability, neuromuscular coordination, and controlled breathing. Inspiratory muscle training has been shown to enhance respiratory muscle strength, trunk stability, and neuromuscular efficiency. However, evidence regarding its effects in precision sports is limited. This study employed a four-week parallel-group randomized controlled design to examine whether IMT improves jumping performance, reaction time, and shooting accuracy in elite air pistol athletes. The IMT group performed twice-daily resisted breathing sessions using a POWERbreathe® device, while the control group continued standard training. Performance outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention period.
Interventions
Participants performed inspiratory muscle training using a POWERbreathe® Classic device. Training consisted of two daily sessions of 30 resisted breaths, six days per week, for four weeks. Initial resistance was set at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and progressively increased weekly.
OTHERControl Group (A):
Participants continued their regular air pistol training routines without inspiratory muscle training.
Sponsors
Gümüşhane Universıty
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Participants performed inspiratory muscle training using a POWERbreathe® Classic device. Training consisted of two daily sessions of 30 resisted breaths, six days per week, for four weeks. Initial resistance was set at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and progressively increased weekly.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male athletes aged 18-35 years * Minimum of 3 years of systematic air pistol shooting experience * Regular training for at least the previous 6 months * Medically cleared for physical activity
Exclusion criteria
* History of respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders * Current injury affecting performance * Participation in respiratory muscle training within the last 6 months
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shooting Performance (SCATT Score) | 4 weeks | Shooting accuracy and stability assessed using the SCATT shooting simulation system |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Countermovement Jump Height and Power | 4 Weeks | Measured using OptoJump Next system |
| Squat Jump Height and Power | 4 Weeks | Measured using OptoJump Next system |
| Visual Reaction Time | 4 weeks | Assessed using Cognitech reaction time tester |
| Auditory Reaction Time | 4 week | Assessed using Cognitech reaction time tester |
| Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test) | 4 week | Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test) |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed