<qa>  What was the IMT?The study was designed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week IMT program on the respiratory muscle strength and aerobic physical performance of handball players. Nineteen male athletes took part in the study, divided into the experimental group EG, which took part in the evaluations, maintained their regular sporting activities and carried out the IMT n10, and the placebo group PG, which took part in the evaluations, maintained their regular sporting activities and carried out an IMT with a load considered to be placebo n09, Experimental procedures were carried out by trained researchers and a qualified team. The evaluations and IMT were carried out during the competitive season, the training frequency being based on the competition program, following the traditional annual model. 