Inspiratory Muscle Warm-up Protocol

The Powerbreathe brand device was used to perform inspiratory muscle pre-activation. Two sets of 30 breaths were carried out at 40% of each participant's maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (MIP), with a one-minute rest in between. MIP was measured once at the first session, and that value determined 40% and 5% for IMpa and IMPpa, respectively, in later visits. Participants were seated, wearing a nose clip, instructed to exhale forcefully, then inhale forcefully against a closed airway for one to three seconds. Measurements were repeated until values within 5 cmH₂O of each other were obtained, recording the best result in cmH₂O.

The participants engaged in a 10-minute jogging activity, which was followed by a 10-minute stretching exercise. Subsequently, the general warm-up protocol was completed with shooting drills tailored to the specific requirements of basketball, without inducing fatigue.

The Powerbreathe brand inspiratory muscle warm-up device was employed to facilitate an exercise regimen comprising two sets of 30 breaths, performed at an intensity of 5% of the participants' maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (MIP), with a one-minute interval between sets. This minimal load was intended as a placebo-like condition for inspiratory muscle usage.