A new method to strengthen breathing muscles to lower blood pressure and improve brain function.

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach called high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST), which aims to lower systolic blood pressure and enhance cognitive and cerebrovascular function. Participants will engage in a time-efficient training program designed to strengthen the muscles used for breathing. The study will assess the effectiveness of this intervention on various health outcomes, including blood pressure and brain health, using advanced physiological techniques. The research is led by Dr. Daniel H. Craighead at the University of Minnesota, focusing on integrating lifestyle changes to improve overall health.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Minnesota
  Minneapolis, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Craighead, Daniel Harrison — University of Minnesota
• Study coordinator: Craighead, Daniel Harrison

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  NIH research University of Colorado · Boulder, UNITED STATES · NIH-11310122

• Using a smartphone app to help strengthen breathing muscles and lower blood pressure

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  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11240113

• Breathing Exercises to Lower Blood Pressure in Adults with Kidney Disease

  This project explores whether a special type of breathing exercise can help midlife and older adults with chronic kidney disease manage their high blood pressure.

  NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11132669

• Improving blood pressure and vascular function in older adults with sleep-disordered breathing through muscle training.

  This study is testing a quick and easy breathing exercise that takes just 5 minutes a day for six weeks to see if it can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health in older adults with sleep apnea.

  NIH research University of Arizona · Tucson, United States · NIH-11081806

• Strength training for improving blood pressure in older adults with kidney disease

  This study is looking at whether a special breathing exercise using a handheld device can help lower blood pressure in midlife and older adults with chronic kidney disease, making it easier for them to stick with this kind of exercise compared to regular workouts.

  NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-10906258

• A new method to strengthen breathing muscles and lower blood pressure in adults with obesity

  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.

  NIH research Florida State University · Tallahassee, United States · NIH-10890695

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.