Acute Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Load on Diaphragmatic Recovery in Athletes

Short-Term Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up and Fatigue on Diaphragmatic Function in Professional Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial investigates the acute effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up and fatigue on diaphragmatic function in professional basketball players. Using ultrasound imaging and maximal inspiratory pressure (PIM) assessment, the study evaluates changes in diaphragmatic thickness and respiratory strength before and after specific inspiratory muscle loading protocols. Findings aim to clarify the short-term impact of these interventions on diaphragmatic recovery capacity, with potential implications for respiratory training, performance enhancement, and injury prevention strategies in elite athletic populations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female professional basketball players aged between 18 and 35 years.
• Holding a valid federation license at the autonomous or higher competitive level.
• A minimum of 3 consecutive seasons of competition in official FEB, FIBA, or equivalent regional leagues.
• Regular training frequency of ≥4 sessions per week over the past 6 months.
• No previous experience with inspiratory muscle training.
• Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of chronic respiratory, neuromuscular, or cardiovascular disease.
• Musculoskeletal injury limiting inspiratory effort or physical participation (current or within the past three months).
• Previous thoracic or abdominal surgery.
• Current smokers.
• Use of pharmacological treatments that could affect respiratory or muscular function.
• Participation in another interventional study within the past 4 weeks.
• Inability to understand or follow study instructions.
• Tympanic membrane perforation or middle/inner ear pathology.
• Pregnancy or postpartum period within the last 6 months.