Academic Journal
Comparative effects of inspiratory and expiratory muscle training on diaphragm adaptations and respiratory function in adolescent athletes: a randomized-controlled study.
| Title: | Comparative effects of inspiratory and expiratory muscle training on diaphragm adaptations and respiratory function in adolescent athletes: a randomized-controlled study. |
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| Authors: | Celik Z; Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Amasya University, Amasya, Turkey. zeliha.celik@amasya.edu.tr., Demirtas G; Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Bor Faculty of Health Sciences, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkey., Guzel NA; Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey., Sendur HN; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey., Keles MN; Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey., Karatas N; Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey., Kokturk N; Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. |
| Source: | BMC pediatrics [BMC Pediatr] 2026 Oct 08; Vol. 26 (1). Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Oct 08. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Comparative Study |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: BioMed Central Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 100967804 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1471-2431 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 14712431 NLM ISO Abbreviation: BMC Pediatr Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: London : BioMed Central, [2001- |
| MeSH Terms: | Diaphragm*/physiology , Diaphragm*/diagnostic imaging , Diaphragm*/anatomy & histology , Breathing Exercises*/methods , Respiratory Muscles*/physiology , Volleyball*/physiology , Adaptation, Physiological*, Muscle Strength/physiology ; Humans ; Female ; Adolescent ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Athletes |
| Abstract: | Background: This study aimed to investigate the comparative effects of Inspiratory and Expiratory Muscle Training (IMT and EMST) on diaphragm thickness and stiffness, and respiratory muscle performance in adolescent athletes. Methods: In this randomized controlled study, 26 adolescent female volleyball players were randomly assigned to the IMT and EMST groups. Both interventions were performed for 4 weeks, 5 days per week, twice daily. Diaphragm thickness and stiffness, pulmonary function, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP, MEP), and respiratory muscle endurance (Tmax) were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention. Results: Significant time effects were observed for diaphragm thickness during inspiration and expiration and for MIP and MEP (all p < 0.001). However, no significant group × time interactions were detected (p > 0.05). A significant time effect was observed for PEF% (p = 0.022), while no significant group × time interaction was detected for pulmonary function parameters (p > 0.05). Diaphragm stiffness and Tmax did not change significantly over time, and no significant group × time interactions were detected (p > 0.05). Discussion: Improvements in diaphragm thickness and respiratory muscle strength were observed in both the IMT and EMST groups in adolescent athletes. Respiratory muscle training added to regular sports training may be associated with structural and strength adaptations in adolescent athletes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06759779, Registered 6 January 2025. Retrospectively registered. (© 2026. The Author(s).) |
| Competing Interests: | Declarations. Ethics approval: Ethical approval was obtained from the Gazi University Ethics Committee (Approval No: 2021 − 558; E-77082166-604.01.02-90500). This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants and their parents prior to inclusion in the study. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. |
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| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Adolescent; Athletes; Breathing exercises; Diaphragm; Respiratory function tests; Ultrasonography |
| Molecular Sequence: | ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06759779 |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20261014 Date Completed: 20261014 Latest Revision: 20261016 |
| Update Code: | 20261016 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC13663061 |
| DOI: | 10.1186/s12887-026-07817-z |
| PMID: | 42870242 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1471-2431 |
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| DOI: | 10.1186/s12887-026-07817-z |