Strengthening breathing muscles in postmenopausal women

Mean ReSponse Time: Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Postmenopausal Women (MRS)

This study is testing if a breathing exercise program can help improve heart health and mood in postmenopausal women by strengthening their breathing muscles.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 24 (estimated)
• Ages: 50 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Indiana University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Bloomington, Indiana)
• Trial ID: NCT06459674 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on cardiovascular health and mood disturbances in postmenopausal women. Participants will engage in a 6-10 week program using a handheld device designed to strengthen respiratory muscles through resistive airflow breathing. The study will be conducted as a 2-arm single-blind, randomized pilot study to evaluate various health outcomes. By enhancing inspiratory muscle strength, the research seeks to improve physical performance and overall well-being in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are postmenopausal women aged 50-75 with a BMI between 25.0 to 39.9 who can ambulate without assistance.

Not a fit: Patients with severe hypertension, significant orthopedic limitations, or those who habitually exercise more than twice a week may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cardiovascular health and mood for postmenopausal women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that inspiratory muscle training can improve respiratory function and physical capacity, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Postmenopausal women (self-report at least 6 years since last menstrual cycle)
* Aged 50-75 years (confirmed by birth date listed on participant's driver license at screening visit)
* English-speaking
* Body mass index between 25.0 to 39.9 kg/m2
* Able to ambulate without assistance
* Own or have access to a Bluetooth-capable phone or tablet (IOS version 12.0 or later or Android version 7.0 or later)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to provide informed consent.
* Greater than stage II hypertension (i.e., \>159/99 mm Hg)
* Current tobacco use (self-report)
* Habitually exercise training ≥ 2 days per week (self-report)
* Significant orthopedic limitations or other contraindications to strenuous exercise
* Live or work \> 80 miles from Bloomington, Indiana
* Anticipated elective surgery during the study period.
* Surgery to the chest or abdomen in the last 6 months.
* Plan to move residence or travel out of the local area during the study period.
* History of heart attack or heart condition.
* Current use of prescription medications that affect heart rate or blood vessel dilation (e.g., systemic b-adrenergic blockers, calcium channel blockers, and hormone replacement therapy).
* Diagnosis of asthma or chronic pulmonary disease.
* Current respiratory infection.
* Diagnosis of an aneurysm in the chest, abdomen, or brain.
* Psychological or social characteristics that would interfere with their ability to fully participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

Bloomington, Indiana

• Indiana University — Bloomington, Indiana, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Stephen J Carter, Ph.D — Indiana University, Bloomington
• Study coordinator: Stephen J Carter, Ph.D

Conditions: Postmenopausal Symptoms, Aging, Obesity, postmenopausal, aging, women's health, blood pressure, mean response time