Can breathing tricks help footballers recover faster?
NCT ID NCT07373158
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether activating the breathing muscles can help professional male football players recover better after exercise. Thirty players will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve, deep breathing against a resistance device, or simply resting. The researchers will measure heart rate variability and breathing strength to see which approach works best.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Inspiratory muscle activation via phrenic nerve electrical stimulation or threshold breathing device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to speed up recovery after intense exercise in athletes.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The interventions are short-term and may not show meaningful benefits over just resting.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for INJURY;SPORTS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can functional movement training give paddle tennis players an edge?
- Sprint or steady: which training boosts running performance best?
- Simple standing platform could replace expensive Strength-Testing machines
- Water polo players' shoulders and core may hold key to injury prevention
- Ladder training: a secret weapon for football players?
- New study tests simple stretches to ease Bowler's shoulder pain