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

Time-efficient inspiratory muscle strength training for improving blood pressure and vascular function in older adults with sleep-disordered breathing

NIH-funded research University of Arizona · NIH-11081806

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.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arizona NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project IDNIH-11081806 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a time-efficient method of inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) aimed at lowering blood pressure and improving vascular function in older adults suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Participants will engage in a simple training regimen that requires only about 5 minutes a day for six weeks. The study focuses on how this training can reduce resting systolic blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, particularly in a population that often struggles with traditional exercise regimens. By targeting the sympathetic nervous system's activity, the research aims to provide a novel approach to managing hypertension in older adults with sleep-related breathing disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who may have difficulty adhering to traditional exercise programs.

Not a fit: Patients without sleep-disordered breathing or those who are not older adults may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a simple and effective intervention for lowering blood pressure and enhancing cardiovascular health in older adults with sleep-disordered breathing.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for significant improvements in blood pressure and vascular function.

Where this research is happening

Tucson, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.