Clinical Research Directory

Warm-up of the Inspiratory Musculature and Its Impact in Swimming Performance

Objective To evaluate the acute effect of four inspiratory warm-up intensities (15%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure \[MIP\]) on 100 m freestyle performance, and to analyze their impact on heart rate, blood lactate concentration, perceived exertion, and dyspnea in trained swimmers. Methods A randomized, crossover, double-blind experimental study was conducted. Participants were swimmers aged ≥18 years, with no respiratory or musculoskeletal pathology. Each participant completed, in sessions separated by at least three days, an inspiratory muscle warm-up consisting of 30 breaths against resistive loads set at 15%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of their MIP, previously determined using standardized procedures. Following each intervention, participants performed a maximal 100 m freestyle test. The following variables were recorded: Swimming time Heart rate (during and post-exercise) Post-exercise capillary blood lactate concentration Rating of perceived exertion (Borg scale) Dyspnea (Dyspnea-12) Conclusions This study will help identify the optimal inspiratory warm-up intensity to enhance swimming performance.

Effects of Inspiratory Training on Respiratory Function in Swimming

Introduction: The diaphragm is the primary inspiratory muscle and plays a key role in ventilation, trunk stability, and exercise efficiency. Its dysfunction is associated with early fatigue, increased respiratory work, and reduced performance. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to improve respiratory function and exercise tolerance. Swimming, due to its specific characteristics, imposes an additional demand on the respiratory muscles. Objective: To evaluate the effects of an IMT program on diaphragmatic function, respiratory variables, cardiorespiratory response, and performance in swimmers. Methods: A randomized, parallel, double-blind clinical trial with 34 swimmers. The experimental group will perform an 8-week IMT program with progressive loads, while the control group will use a sham device without resistance. Diaphragmatic function will be assessed using ultrasound (thickness and excursion), along with respiratory variables (MIP, FEV₁, MEP, FVC), cardiovascular variables (heart rate, HRV), metabolic variables (lactate), and performance (100 m test). Expected results: IMT is expected to improve diaphragmatic function, increase inspiratory muscle strength, enhance ventilatory efficiency, and reduce respiratory fatigue, leading to improvements in performance and physiological responses to exercise. Conclusion: IMT could be an effective strategy to enhance respiratory function and swimming performance. This study provides a novel approach by incorporating ultrasound assessment of the diaphragm in an aquatic exercise context.

Isometric Strength and Joint Mobility Profile in Elite Artistic Swimmers Across Competitive Categories

This cross-sectional observational study aims to establish reference values for joint mobility and isometric muscle strength in elite artistic swimmers across different competitive categories. The study will analyze inter-limb asymmetries and agonist-antagonist strength ratios in upper and lower limbs. Additionally, relationships between isometric strength, countermovement jump performance, and handgrip strength will be explored to assess their utility as functional performance indicators. Participants will be assessed during national team training camps using standardized, validated measurement protocols. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of sport-specific functional profiles and potential injury risk factors in artistic swimming.

Dry-land Strength and Conditioning for Competitive Youth Swimmers

Starts and turns play an important role in swimming performance, with starts accounting for around a quarter of the total time achieved in a 50m freestyle race and have been recommended as a high priority area for improvement by York City Baths Club (YCBC). The relationship between starts and turns and plyometric and general strength training is well documented. However, few studies have explored this relationship in competitive youth swimmers. This non-randomised controlled trial will evaluate the effects of a dry-land strength and conditioning programme, when added to usual swim training, on the physical fitness and start and turn performance of regional- and national-level age-group swimmers. The study intervention will involve two supervised gym sessions per week for 10 weeks. Study outcomes will be assessed before the intervention, at the midpoint and at 1 week and 3 weeks post-intervention. The following testing will occur: Pool-based testing (50m Freestyle; a Time to 7.5m test; Turn time); Gym-based testing (Counter-movement jump; Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull; Athletic Shoulder (ASH)) The dive and turn measures will be assessed via video recordings.

Strength and Plyometric Training in Swimming

A total of 18 participants are planned to be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups in the order of their arrival. One group will perform strength exercises in addition to standard swim training (strength group), while the other group will perform plyometric exercises in addition to standard swim training (plyometric group). Both groups will participate in two training sessions per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The 50m sprint biomechanics, stroke frequency, or overall performance will be evaluated before and after the intervention.