Salt therapy boosts lung power in elite female soccer players
NCT ID NCT07406386
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether breathing in dry salt particles (halotherapy) during preseason training could improve lung function and running performance in elite female soccer players. Twenty-eight players from the Turkish Women's First League were split into two groups: one did standard training plus 45-minute salt therapy sessions three times a week for 12 weeks, while the other only did standard training. Researchers measured breathing strength, lung capacity, and aerobic fitness before and after the program.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- halotherapy (dry salt aerosol inhalation)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a natural way for athletes to boost lung function and endurance without drugs.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study in elite athletes only, so results may not apply to the general public or other sports. The effect may be small or due to placebo.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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28 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2022
- Finished
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Jul 2022
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 30 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of respiratory, cardiovascular, or metabolic disease * Current musculoskeletal injury * Smoking * Pregnancy * Use of medications affecting respiratory or cardiovascular function
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Gumushane Univetsity
Gümüşhane, Trabzon, Ordu, Giresun, Rize, Artvin, Gümüşhane, 29600, Turkey (Türkiye)
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