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

Inspiratory muscle strength training for lowering systolic blood pressure in midlife and older adults with chronic kidney disease

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10906258

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.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10906258 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) on lowering systolic blood pressure in midlife and older adults suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Participants will use a hand-held device to perform breathing exercises that strengthen respiratory muscles, which may improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. The study aims to enhance adherence to this lifestyle intervention, as traditional aerobic exercises often see low compliance among CKD patients. By employing a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled design, the research seeks to provide robust evidence on the effectiveness of IMST in managing hypertension in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are midlife and older adults diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and experiencing elevated systolic blood pressure.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic kidney disease or those with severely compromised respiratory function may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel, effective method for lowering blood pressure in older adults with chronic kidney disease, potentially reducing their risk of cardiovascular complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results with inspiratory muscle strength training in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this larger trial.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.