The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Warm-up

This study aims to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) protocols performed at different load intensities on performance outcomes in volleyball athletes. Inspiratory muscle warm-up has been suggested to enhance respiratory muscle function, potentially improving exercise performance; however, the optimal load intensity for maximizing these effects in volleyball players remains unclear.

In this study, participants will be exposed to inspiratory muscle warm-up protocols at varying intensities to determine the most effective protocol. The protocols will be applied at different sessions with appropriate rest intervals between applications to minimize carryover effects.

Before and after each protocol application, participants will undergo a series of performance assessments. These evaluations are expected to include measures related to physical performance relevant to volleyball, such as functional capacity, respiratory parameters, and/or sport-specific performance outcomes.

The primary objective of this study is to compare the acute effects of different inspiratory muscle warm-up intensities on performance in volleyball athletes and to identify the optimal loading protocol. The findings of this study may contribute to the development of evidence-based warm-up strategies aimed at enhancing athletic performance in volleyball players.

• Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up (Other): Participants will perform inspiratory muscle warm-up protocols using the inspiratory muscle training device. The protocols will be applied at different intensity levels, including low, moderate, and high loads, as well as a no-load (sham) condition. Each protocol will be performed in separate sessions, and the order of application will be randomized. During each session, participants will complete a standardized inspiratory breathing procedure under supervision to ensure proper technique and consistency. This design will allow comparison of the acute effects of different inspiratory muscle warm-up intensities on performance outcomes.

Primary outcomes

• Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) Tes [Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention at each session]: The CMJ test is a reliable test that measures an athlete's lower extremity strength and jumping performance. The CMJ test is performed by rapidly squatting down from the knees and jumping vertically with the knees fully extended and the torso in an upright position.
• muscle oxygenation [Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention at each session]: Muscle oxygenation will be assessed using a MOXY Monitor during the testing sessions. Changes in muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) will be recorded before and after the inspiratory muscle warm-up protocols to evaluate the acute effects of different intensity levels. This outcome will be used to compare the physiological responses associated with each protocol.

Secondary outcomes

• S-indeks [Pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention at each session]: Inspiratory muscle strength will be assessed using the S-Index parameter obtained from the inspiratory muscle training device. Measurements will be performed before and after each inspiratory muscle warm-up protocol to evaluate the acute effects of different intensity levels. The S-Index values will be used to compare inspiratory muscle performance across conditions.

Sex: All, ages: 13 Years to 20 Years, accepts healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 13-20
* Having played volleyball for at least 2 years
* Training at least 8-10 hours a week
* Patients who provide verbal and written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having sustained an injury or undergone surgery in the upper or lower extremities
* Having had a lung or upper respiratory tract infection two weeks prior to the study
* Having a chronic respiratory condition

• Barnes KR, Ludge AR. Inspiratory Muscle Warm-up Improves 3,200-m Running Performance in Distance Runners. J Strength Cond Res. 2021 Jun 1;35(6):1739-1747. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002974. PMID 30640308