Respiratory muscle training to see if it boosts thinking skills
Official title: The Effect of Respiratory Muscle Training on Cognitive Performance
Run by Indiana University · NCT07637331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether training the breathing muscles can improve cognitive performance in healthy adults who breathe against resistance.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bloomington, Indiana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07637331 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-40 with BMI under 30 kg/m2, naïve to inspiratory muscle training, adequate FEV1/FVC, access to a smartphone or tablet, and no disqualifying health conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with significant cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, or neurologic conditions, color vision issues, recent illnesses, or cognitive impairment may not benefit and may be excluded for safety.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial examines the effect of inspiratory muscle training on cognitive performance during resisted breathing. Participants are healthy adults aged 18-40 with adequate lung function and no major health issues. The intervention consists of structured inspiratory muscle training, and cognitive performance is assessed under conditions of breathing against resistance. The study is conducted at Indiana University in collaboration with the United States Air Force Research Laboratory. Safety and adherence criteria ensure participants can complete the training and follow the protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved cognitive performance during breathing challenges when engaging in daily activities or tasks requiring attention and mental work.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in related breathing interventions suggests potential cognitive effects, but this exact inspiratory muscle training approach for cognition is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-40 years old * Body mass index \<30 kg/m2 * Naïve to IMT * \>75% of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) / forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEV1/FVC) * Access to smart phone or tablet with internet Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed: * Cardiovascular disease * Respiratory disease (including asthma) * Metabolic disease * Currently pregnant * Unable to adhere to the IMT protocol * Answering 'yes' to any of the questions on page one of the PAR-Q+ * Abnormal cognition assessed via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (score of 25 or less) * Self-reported color blindness * Significant acute or chronic medical, neurologic, or illness in the participant that, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator, could compromise subject safety, limit the ability of the participant to complete the study, and/or compromise the objectives of the study
Where it's running
-
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Blair Johnson, PhD — Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Blair Johnson
- Email: bj33@iu.edu
- Phone: 812-855-8699
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.