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

Smartphone app-guided inspiratory muscle strength training for lowering systolic blood pressure

['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11240113

This study is testing a smartphone app that helps people do breathing exercises at home to strengthen their breathing muscles and lower blood pressure, and it's for anyone looking to improve their heart health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R03']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11240113 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of a smartphone app to guide patients in performing inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) to lower systolic blood pressure. Participants will engage in a simple exercise routine that involves breathing against resistance, which can be done at home. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of this low-barrier intervention in improving blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health. By using a randomized, controlled design, the research will assess how well this method works compared to a sham training approach.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with normal blood pressure levels or those who are unable to perform breathing exercises may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a convenient and effective way for patients to manage and lower their blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with inspiratory muscle strength training, indicating that this approach may be effective for lowering blood pressure.

Where this research is happening

MINNEAPOLIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.