~30 spots leftby Jun 2026

Breathing Training for Sleep Apnea

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
EF
Overseen byElizabeth F Bailey, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Arizona
Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Chronic kidney disease, Cancer, others
No Placebo Group
Approved in 2 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial will test if a breathing exercise called Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) can lower blood pressure in adults over 50 with sleep apnea. The exercise strengthens breathing muscles, which may help relax blood vessels and reduce heart stress. Researchers hope this will be an effective treatment for those who don't respond well to other methods. Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health in various populations, including those with obstructive sleep apnea.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you maintain your current medication regimen throughout the study, so you won't need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) for sleep apnea?

Research shows that Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) can improve respiratory muscle strength and endurance, which may help people with sleep apnea. A study specifically found that IMT improved sleep and exercise capacity in those with obstructive sleep apnea.12345

Is inspiratory muscle training safe for humans?

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been used safely in both healthy people and those with various health conditions, including older adults and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is generally considered safe and has been shown to improve breathing strength and other health aspects.23678

How is the treatment Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) different from other treatments for sleep apnea?

Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) is unique because it focuses on strengthening the muscles used for breathing, which can improve sleep quality and exercise capacity in people with sleep apnea. Unlike other treatments like positive pressure devices or surgery, IMST is a non-invasive exercise-based approach that targets the respiratory muscles directly.456910

Research Team

EF

Elizabeth F Bailey, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Arizona

Eligibility Criteria

Adults aged 50+ with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, who don't use CPAP or are adherent to alternative treatments like mandibular devices. Participants should have stable weight and medication regimens, no recent drug abuse, and be free from unstable diseases. They must have a BMI ≤40 kg/m^2, blood pressure ≥120/≤160 mmHg, cholesterol <240 mg/dL, fasting glucose <300 mg/dL.

Inclusion Criteria

I haven't changed my blood pressure or any other medications in the last 3 months and am willing to keep them the same during the study.
I understand and can follow the study's procedures.
I am 50 years old or older.
See 14 more

Exclusion Criteria

Your score on the ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) is higher than 15.
I have a long-term health condition like diabetes or heart failure that is not well-managed.
You have an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of less than 15.
See 9 more

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants perform inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) for 24 weeks, with high-intensity and low-intensity groups

24 weeks
5 sessions per week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for the intermediate and long-lasting effects of IMST on blood pressure and cardiovascular health

12 weeks
Assessments at Week 28 and Week 36

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (Behavioral Intervention)
Trial OverviewThe trial is testing Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) to see if it can improve blood pressure and cardiovascular health in older adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Participants will be randomly assigned to either undergo IMST or not as part of the study.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Training Group AExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will perform their respiratory training (high-intensity, low-volume IMST) on a hand-held respiratory training device.
Group II: Training Group BPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Participants will perform their respiratory training (low-intensity, low-volume IMST) on a hand-held respiratory training device.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Arizona Respiratory and Neurophysiology LaboratoryTucson, AZ
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Arizona

Lead Sponsor

Trials
545
Patients Recruited
161,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials
1841
Patients Recruited
28,150,000+

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials
2896
Patients Recruited
8,053,000+

University of Colorado, Boulder

Collaborator

Trials
128
Patients Recruited
29,600+

Findings from Research

Inspiratory muscle training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the state of the evidence.Shoemaker, MJ., Donker, S., Lapoe, A.[2022]
Inspiratory muscle training, with or without concomitant pulmonary rehabilitation, for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Ammous, O., Feki, W., Lotfi, T., et al.[2023]
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) over 12 weeks significantly improved sleep quality in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, compared to a placebo group.
However, IMT did not lead to significant improvements in lung function, respiratory muscle strength, or exercise capacity, indicating that while it may enhance sleep quality, it does not affect overall physical performance in OSA patients.
Effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training on sleep and functional capacity to exercise in obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial.Souza, AKF., Dornelas de Andrade, A., de Medeiros, AIC., et al.[2019]
[Inspiratory muscle training during pulmonary rehabilitation].Beaumont, M., Le Tallec, F., Villiot-Danger, E.[2021]
Feasibility, safety, and patient acceptability of electronic inspiratory muscle training in patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit: A dual-centre observational study.Nickels, M., Erwin, K., McMurray, G., et al.[2023]
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]
Novel methods of inspiratory muscle training via the Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance (TIRE).Cahalin, LP., Arena, R.[2022]
Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly improved inspiratory muscle strength and efficiency in 22 professional male soccer players, leading to enhanced performance in repeated sprint ability (RSA) and reduced sprint times after a 2-week intervention.
The study found significant increases in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and peak inspiratory flow (PIF), indicating that IMT not only boosts muscle strength but also enhances overall exercise tolerance in athletes.
Inspiratory muscle training improves performance of a repeated sprints ability test in professional soccer players.Cavalcante Silva, RL., Hall, E., Maior, AS.[2020]
Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly improves sleepiness and sleep quality in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), as evidenced by reductions in the Epworth sleepiness scale and Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores based on a systematic review of 210 patients across eight studies.
IMT also enhances inspiratory strength, indicated by an increase in maximum inspiratory pressure, although it did not affect the apnoea/hypopnea index or physical capacity.
Respiratory Muscle Training in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Torres-Castro, R., Solis-Navarro, L., Puppo, H., et al.[2023]

References

Inspiratory muscle training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the state of the evidence. [2022]
Inspiratory muscle training, with or without concomitant pulmonary rehabilitation, for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). [2023]
Comparison of inspiratory muscle strength training effects between older subjects with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [2016]
Effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training on sleep and functional capacity to exercise in obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. [2019]
[Inspiratory muscle training during pulmonary rehabilitation]. [2021]
Feasibility, safety, and patient acceptability of electronic inspiratory muscle training in patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit: A dual-centre observational study. [2023]
The effects of inspiratory muscle training on balance and functional mobility: a systematic review. [2023]
Novel methods of inspiratory muscle training via the Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance (TIRE). [2022]
Inspiratory muscle training improves performance of a repeated sprints ability test in professional soccer players. [2020]
Respiratory Muscle Training in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2023]