Inspiratory Muscle Training for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) often experience dyspnea. Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) has been shown to improve dyspnea and respiratory muscle function; however, the impact of IMT in combination with whole-body exercise training on respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and daily function remains unknown. The objectives of this research are i) to evaluate dyspnea, respiratory muscle strength and function, ventilatory parameters, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in individuals with hEDS and HSD compared to healthy age and sex-matched controls, ii) to explore the contributors to dyspnea during exercise with a specific focus on respiratory muscle structure and function in hEDS and HSD patients and healthy controls, and iii) to assess whether the combination of IMT and whole-body exercise training will be more effective than whole-body exercise training alone in improving participant outcomes in hEDS and HSD participants. It is hypothesized that i) hEDS and HSD participants will have lower respiratory muscle strength, higher peripheral airway resistance, lower HRQL, and higher anxiety and depression levels compared to healthy controls, ii) the contributors to increased exercise induced dyspnea will include decreased respiratory muscle strength, increased airway resistance, and greater prefrontal cortical neural activity, and iii) the combination of IMT and whole-body exercise training will be superior to whole-body training alone for improving dyspnea, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, aerobic capacity, HRQL, anxiety, and depression.
Research Team
Dmitry Rozenberg, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
University Health Network/University of Toronto
Eligibility Criteria
Adults diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), who are new referrals to the GEAR Program. Participants must meet specific diagnostic criteria and can't have conditions like unstable heart disease, recent respiratory infections, other types of EDS, neuromuscular diseases, severe autonomic dysfunction, or be pregnant.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Baseline evaluations of dyspnea, pulmonary function tests, respiratory muscle structure and function, HRQL, anxiety, and depression
Treatment
Participants undergo 8 weeks of whole-body exercises with or without Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Usual Care plus Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University Health Network, Toronto
Lead Sponsor