Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
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- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Inspiratory muscle training enhances jumping power and shooting performance in elite air pistol athletes
Aydin, Ahmet Serhat; Yilmaz, Coskun; Söyler, Mehmet; Güney, Gamze; Eyüboglu, Ender; Karakulak, Izzet; Ceylan, Tulay; Altug, Tolga; Burac, Daniela Giconda; Sahinler, Yunus
Background Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to enhance respiratory efficiency, postural stabilization, and neuromuscular coordination in athletic populations. However, its effects in precision sports such as air pistol shooting remain insufficiently explored. This study investigated the impact of a 4-week IMT program on respiratory muscle strength, explosive lower-limb performance, reaction time, and shooting accuracy in competitive air pistol athletes. Methods Twenty trained male air pistol athletes (age 18-35 years) were randomly assigned to an IMT group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). The IMT group performed supervised inspiratory muscle training twice daily (30 breaths/session), six days per week, for four weeks, using a threshold-loading device set initially at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), with progressive overload applied weekly. Both groups maintained their regular shooting training routines. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) performance (OptoJump), visual and auditory reaction time (Cognitech), and shooting performance evaluated via the SCATT system. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (group & times; time) was used for statistical analysis. Results Significant group & times; time interactions were observed for CMJ height (p < 0.001, eta & sup2;p = 0.618), CMJ power (p = 0.007, eta & sup2;p = 0.345), SJ height (p = 0.050, eta & sup2;p = 0.184), and SJ power (p = 0.050, eta & sup2;p = 0.181), indicating meaningful improvements in explosive performance in the IMT group. Shooting accuracy demonstrated a large and statistically significant interaction effect (p < 0.001, eta & sup2;p = 0.532), with substantial improvement observed only in the IMT group. Reaction time variables showed favourable but non-significant trends (p > 0.05). Conclusion A short-term IMT intervention significantly enhanced lower-limb explosive performance and shooting accuracy in competitive air pistol athletes without altering overall training load. These findings suggest that IMT may represent an effective, low-cost adjunct strategy to improve neuromuscular stability and fine-motor precision in precision-sport athletes.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Effects of Halotherapy as an Adjunct to Preseason Training on Respiratory and Aerobic Outcomes in Elite Female Football Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Sarisik, Derya Cetin; Aydin, Ahmet Serhat; Söyler, Mehmet; Zileli, Raif; Özkurt, Ali; Yilmaz, Coskun; Küçük, Hamza; Karatas, Mevlut
Background: Aerobic capacity and respiratory efficiency are critical determinants of performance in elite female football, characterized by repeated high-intensity efforts and rapid recovery demands. Halotherapy, involving the inhalation of dry salt aerosol, has been shown to improve pulmonary health; however, its effects on exercise-related outcomes in athletic populations remain insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week post-training halotherapy intervention on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and aerobic performance in elite female football players. Methods: Twenty-eight elite female football players competing in the Turkish Women's First League were randomly assigned to a halotherapy group (HG, n = 14) or a control group (CG, n = 14). Both groups completed an identical preseason training program, while the HG additionally performed 45 min halotherapy sessions three times per week in a controlled halochamber. Pre-and post-intervention assessments included maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP, MEP), spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1, PEF, MVV), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) estimated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1), along with total distance covered. A 2 & times; 2 mixed-model ANOVA was used to assess time and group & times; time interaction effects. Results: Significant group & times; time interactions were observed for MIP, MEP, VO(2)max, FEV1, PEF, MVV, and Yo-Yo IRT1 performance (p < 0.05), with large effect sizes (eta p(2) = 0.269-0.924), favoring the halotherapy group. Forced vital capacity (FVC) increased over time in both groups (p = 0.141), with no significant interaction effect. Changes in the control group were comparatively smaller across most outcomes. Conclusion: Post-training halotherapy was associated with improvements in respiratory muscle strength, ventilatory function, aerobic capacity, and intermittent running performance in elite female football players. These findings suggest that halotherapy may be considered as a complementary, non-invasive strategy to support respiratory and aerobic adaptations. Further research is required to confirm these findings and to clarify the underlying physiological mechanisms. Trial registration: NCT07406386; 6 February 2026.