90 Participants Needed

Inspiratory Muscle Training vs Aerobic Exercise for High Blood Pressure

DH
NP
Overseen ByNarissa P McCarty, MS
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Colorado, Boulder
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Approved in 2 JurisdictionsThis treatment is already approved in other countries

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing a breathing exercise called high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) for postmenopausal women aged 50 and older with high blood pressure. IMST involves breathing in against resistance for a short period each day. It aims to lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function by reducing harmful molecules and increasing helpful ones. High-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) is a novel, time-efficient physical training modality.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not require you to stop taking your current medications. However, you must not have changed your blood pressure medications or other medications in the past 3 months and should be willing to maintain your current medication regimen throughout the study.

Is inspiratory muscle training safe for humans?

Inspiratory muscle training (IMST) is generally safe and well-tolerated in humans, with studies showing high adherence and no significant safety concerns reported. It has been used in various populations, including older adults and those with high blood pressure, without adverse effects.12345

How does high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training differ from other treatments for high blood pressure?

High-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) is unique because it involves breathing exercises that strengthen the muscles used for inhaling, which can lower blood pressure by improving respiratory muscle strength. Unlike traditional treatments like medication, IMST is a physical therapy that can be done at home using a handheld device, making it a non-drug option for managing high blood pressure.13456

What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for high blood pressure?

Research shows that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can improve respiratory muscle strength and reduce symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath, which may indirectly benefit people with high blood pressure by enhancing overall exercise capacity and quality of life.45678

Who Is on the Research Team?

Douglas R. Seals | Integrative ...

Douglas R Seals, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Colorado, Boulder

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for postmenopausal women aged 50 or older with high blood pressure (systolic BP ≥120 mmHg). Participants should not be on hormone therapy, have a BMI under 40, and must not have had significant weight changes or medication adjustments recently. They shouldn't smoke, abuse alcohol, or engage in regular intense exercise.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a woman who has not had a period for over 12 months.
I haven't changed my blood pressure or any other medications in the last 3 months and am willing to keep them the same.
Ability to provide informed consent
See 7 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have a problem with drinking too much alcohol or being dependent on it.
I do not have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
You regularly do intense aerobic exercise more than 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes each time.
See 5 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks
2 visits (in-person)

Baseline Testing

Participants undergo baseline testing for casual SBP, 24-hour ambulatory SBP, and endothelial function, including innovative mechanistic probes.

1 week
Multiple visits (in-person)

Treatment

Participants are randomized to either high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) or aerobic exercise (AE) for 3 months.

12 weeks
1 supervised visit, multiple unsupervised sessions (home-based)

Post-Testing

Reassessment of all outcomes and subject characteristic measures after completion of the intervention.

1 week
Multiple visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants cease training for 6 weeks and return for follow-up testing to determine the persistent effects of IMST.

6 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Aerobic exercise
  • High-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training
Trial Overview The study compares the effects of high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) versus standard aerobic exercise like brisk walking on lowering blood pressure and improving vascular health in postmenopausal women over three months.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: High-resistance inspiratory muscle strength trainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Aerobic exerciseActive Control1 Intervention

High-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

🇺🇸
Approved in United States as High-Resistance Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training for:
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Approved in European Union as High-Resistance Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training for:

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Colorado, Boulder

Lead Sponsor

Trials
128
Recruited
29,600+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly improved respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in 29 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) over a 6-week program, leading to better performance in activities like walking.
Patients undergoing IMT reported reduced fatigue and dyspnea, indicating that this training is a safe and effective treatment option for enhancing quality of life in PAH patients.
Inspiratory muscle training in pulmonary arterial hypertension.Saglam, M., Arikan, H., Vardar-Yagli, N., et al.[2015]
Inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) significantly increases maximal inspiratory pressure and reduces dyspnea in both older adults without COPD and those with COPD, demonstrating its efficacy as a respiratory intervention.
IMST particularly enhances functional status and quality of life in older adults without COPD, suggesting that this training can benefit a broader population beyond just COPD patients.
Comparison of inspiratory muscle strength training effects between older subjects with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Huang, CH., Yang, GG., Wu, YT., et al.[2016]
Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly improves balance in both healthy and diseased adults, based on a systematic review of 10 randomized control trials.
The effects of IMT on functional mobility were inconclusive, indicating that while balance benefits are clear, more research is needed to understand its impact on overall mobility.
The effects of inspiratory muscle training on balance and functional mobility: a systematic review.Sheraz, S., Ferraro, FV., Siddiqui, FA., et al.[2023]

Citations

Inspiratory muscle training in pulmonary arterial hypertension. [2015]
Comparison of inspiratory muscle strength training effects between older subjects with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [2016]
The effects of inspiratory muscle training on balance and functional mobility: a systematic review. [2023]
Effects of inspiratory muscle training in patients with hypertension: a meta-analysis. [2023]
Effectiveness and safety of inspiratory muscle training in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]
A multi-trial, retrospective analysis of the antihypertensive effects of high-resistance, low-volume inspiratory muscle strength training. [2023]
Time-Efficient Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training Lowers Blood Pressure and Improves Endothelial Function, NO Bioavailability, and Oxidative Stress in Midlife/Older Adults With Above-Normal Blood Pressure. [2022]
Moderate- and High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Training Equally Improves Inspiratory Muscle Strength and Endurance-A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. [2022]
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