Strength training for breathing muscles to lower blood pressure in postmenopausal women
Official title: Inspiratory muscle strength training for lowering blood pressure and improving endothelial function in postmenopausal women: comparison with "standard of care" aerobic exercise
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10786067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special breathing exercise can help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel health in postmenopausal women, comparing it to regular aerobic exercise to see which might be easier to stick with and more beneficial for heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $568,974 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG071506-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10786067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women experiencing elevated blood pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not postmenopausal or those with contraindications to exercise may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) on lowering blood pressure and improving blood vessel function in postmenopausal women. Participants will engage in a novel exercise regimen that involves breathing against resistance, which may offer a more effective alternative to traditional aerobic exercise. The study compares the outcomes of IMST with standard aerobic exercise, focusing on its potential to enhance adherence and long-term benefits. By measuring changes in blood pressure and endothelial function, the research aims to provide insights into better management strategies for cardiovascular health in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved blood pressure management and cardiovascular health for postmenopausal women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with inspiratory muscle strength training, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seals, Douglas R — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Seals, Douglas R
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This compares a short daily high-resistance breathing exercise to standard aerobic workouts to help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel health in postmenopausal women.
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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.