Using a smartphone app to help strengthen breathing muscles and lower blood pressure
Official title: Smartphone app-guided inspiratory muscle strength training for lowering systolic blood pressure
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11240113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $95,773 |
| NIH project number | 7R03HL171108-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11240113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or higher.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal blood pressure levels or those who are unable to perform breathing exercises may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Craighead, Daniel Harrison — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Craighead, Daniel Harrison
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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.