SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article
Front. Physiol.
Sec. Exercise Physiology
Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on Swimming Performance, Respiratory Muscle Function, and Pulmonary Function of Competitive Swimmers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yunji Chen 1
Qing Yi 2
Kun Meng 3
Kuan Tao 4
Shuang Qin 5
Yang Yue 3
Dapeng Bao 4
Guole Jiang 1
1. National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China
2. Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
3. Hunan First Normal University, Changsha, China
4. Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
5. Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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Abstract
Background: Competitive swimming imposes unique physiological demands on the respiratory system. While respiratory muscle training (RMT) is proposed to optimize respiratory function and athletic performance, its efficacy in competitive swimmers remains inconsistent. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of RMT on respiratory muscle function, pulmonary function, and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Methods: Eight databases were searched from inception to September 26, 2025. Inclusion criteria were: (1) RMT interventions (inspiratory, expiratory, or combined) lasting ≥ 4 weeks; (2) participants were elite or high-level competitive swimmers; (3) control groups received sham RMT or standard training; (4) outcomes included swimming performance, respiratory strength, or pulmonary function. Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0 and the GRADE framework. Results: A total of 14 studies involving 375 competitive swimmers were included. The meta-analysis indicated that RMT significantly improved maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.29 to 1.01, p = 0.001) and certain dynamic pulmonary function parameters (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]: SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.72, p = 0.001; forced inspiratory volume in the 1st second [FIV1]: SMD = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.79, p = 0.03), as well as aerobic swimming performance (SMD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.03 to 2.00, p = 0.04). In contrast, RMT did not significantly improve maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) (SMD = 0.16, 95% CI: -0.14 to 0.46, p = 0.27), other pulmonary function outcomes (forced vital capacity [FVC], maximal voluntary ventilation [MVV]), or sprint and middle-distance swimming performance (50 m, 100 m, and 200 m freestyle times: p > 0.05). Conclusions: RMT effectively enhances respiratory muscle strength and dynamic lung function in competitive swimmers across diverse levels, particularly with combined RMT demonstrating superior efficacy over IMT alone. Regarding athletic outcomes, RMT shows limited efficacy in enhancing short-distance swimming performance; while it exerts a significant positive impact on aerobic performance; however, its potential benefits require cautious interpretation due to high inter-study heterogeneity. This study offers updated insights into RMT's role in aquatic conditioning, emphasizing the need for future load-matched trials to isolate its independent effects.
Summary
Keywords
Competitive Swimmers 2, Meta-analysis 5, pulmonary function 4, Respiratory Muscle Training 1, Swimming Performance 3
Received
18 December 2025
Accepted
16 February 2026
Copyright
© 2026 Chen, Yi, Meng, Tao, Qin, Yue, Bao and Jiang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Dapeng Bao; Guole Jiang
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