A new method to strengthen breathing muscles and lower blood pressure in adults with obesity
Official title: Time-Efficient Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training as a New Approach to Lower Blood Pressure, Improve Respiratory Function, and Reduce Exertional Dyspnea in Adults with Obesity
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-10890695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a quick and easy way to help people with obesity strengthen their breathing muscles, which could lower blood pressure, make it easier to breathe, and improve overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $138,684 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL160772-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are living with obesity and experience issues related to high blood pressure and exertional dyspnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or do not have issues with blood pressure or respiratory function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a time-efficient approach to inspiratory muscle strength training aimed at lowering blood pressure, improving respiratory function, and reducing breathlessness in adults with obesity. Participants will engage in a structured program that focuses on enhancing their breathing muscles, which may lead to better cardiovascular health and overall well-being. The study will utilize advanced assessments to measure changes in blood pressure and respiratory function, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of this training method. The goal is to make this intervention accessible and manageable for individuals who struggle with traditional exercise due to time constraints or physical limitations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel, effective intervention for lowering blood pressure and improving respiratory health in adults with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that aerobic exercise can effectively reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach may also yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watso, Joseph — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Watso, Joseph
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.