Integrating Halotherapy Into Preseason Training Improves Respiratory and Aerobic Performance in Elite Female Soccer Players
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 28
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP)
研究概览
简要总结
This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week halotherapy intervention on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, aerobic capacity, and intermittent running performance in elite female soccer players. Participants were randomly assigned to either a halotherapy group or a control group. Both groups followed the same preseason soccer training program, while the halotherapy group additionally received regular halotherapy sessions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included spirometric measurements, respiratory muscle strength, estimated VO₂max, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 performance.
详细描述
Aerobic capacity and respiratory efficiency are critical determinants of performance in elite soccer. Halotherapy, a non-pharmacological intervention involving inhalation of dry salt aerosol in a controlled environment, has been shown to improve pulmonary health in clinical populations; however, evidence in athletic populations remains limited.
This randomized parallel-group trial was conducted during the preseason period of the Turkish Women's First League. Twenty-eight elite female soccer players were randomly allocated to a halotherapy group or a control group. Both groups completed an identical 12-week soccer training program. In addition to training, the halotherapy group underwent 45-minute halotherapy sessions three times per week in a controlled halochamber environment.
Outcome measures included maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP, MEP), pulmonary function parameters (FVC, FEV₁, PEF, MVV), aerobic capacity estimated via the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, and total distance covered in the Yo-Yo test. Measurements were collected before and after the intervention period. The study aimed to determine whether halotherapy provides additive benefits to standard soccer training in elite female athletes.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Other
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 30 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- Female
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Female soccer players aged 18-30 years
- •Competing in the Turkish Women's First League
- •Minimum of 5 years of competitive soccer experience
- •Regular training ≥10 hours per week
- •Free from injury at study entry
- •Non-smokers
- •Not using chronic medication
- •Provided written informed consent
排除标准
- •Presence of respiratory, cardiovascular, or metabolic disease
- •Current musculoskeletal injury
- •Pregnancy
- •Use of medications affecting respiratory or cardiovascular function
研究组 & 干预措施
Halotherapy Group
Participants followed the standard preseason soccer training program and additionally received halotherapy. Halotherapy sessions were conducted in a controlled halochamber using a dry salt aerosol generator. Sessions lasted 45 minutes and were performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Aerosol concentration was maintained at approximately 20 mg/m³ with particle size <5 microns. Environmental conditions were controlled (temperature 20-24°C, humidity 40-60%).
干预措施: Halotherapy Group (Other)
Halotherapy Group
Participants followed the standard preseason soccer training program and additionally received halotherapy. Halotherapy sessions were conducted in a controlled halochamber using a dry salt aerosol generator. Sessions lasted 45 minutes and were performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Aerosol concentration was maintained at approximately 20 mg/m³ with particle size <5 microns. Environmental conditions were controlled (temperature 20-24°C, humidity 40-60%).
干预措施: Control (Other)
CONTROL
Participants followed the same standard preseason soccer training program without halotherapy.
结局指标
主要结局
Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP)
时间窗: 12 week
Expiratory muscle strength measured using a portable respiratory pressure meter.
Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)
时间窗: 12 week
Inspiratory muscle strength measured using a portable respiratory pressure meter.
Aerobic Capacity (VO₂max estimate)
时间窗: 12 week
VO₂max estimated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1.
次要结局
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)(12 week)
- Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV₁)(12 weeks)
- Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)(12 week)
- Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 Distance(12 week)
研究者
Coşkun YILMAZ
Director
Gümüşhane Universıty