Time-efficient training to strengthen breathing muscles and lower blood pressure
Novel Time-efficient Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training for Lowering Systolic Blood Pressure and Improving Endothelial, Cerebrovascular, and Cognitive Function
This study is testing a new way to lower blood pressure in adults over 50 by combining breathing exercises with brisk walking to see if it helps improve heart health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 102 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Boulder Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boulder, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT04848675 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates a novel approach to lowering systolic blood pressure (SBP) through inspiratory muscle strength training combined with brisk walking. It targets adults aged 50 and older who have above-normal SBP, aiming to improve vascular function and overall cardiovascular health. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the intervention or a control condition, with careful monitoring of their blood pressure and health status throughout the study. The goal is to develop effective, non-pharmacological strategies for managing hypertension in an aging population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 50 years and older with resting systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or greater.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or those with significant cardiovascular issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new, effective method for lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of inspiratory muscle strength training for lowering SBP is novel, similar interventions targeting vascular function have shown promise in other studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 50 years and older * Ability to provide informed consent * Willing to accept random assignment to condition * Resting systolic blood pressure 120 mmHg or greater * Body mass index \<40 kg/m2 * Weight stable in the prior 3 months (\<2 kg weight change) and willing to remain weight stable throughout the study * Mini-mental state exam score of 24 or higher * No change in blood pressure medications or other medications (prescriptions or dosing) in the prior 3 months and willing to maintain current medication regimen * Free from clinical disease with the exception of hypertension Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than age 50 * History of uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure \>180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure \>120 mmHg) * Current smoker * Abnormal blood pressure response to exercise (drop in systolic blood pressure below resting levels or systolic blood pressure \>260 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure \>115 mmHg) * Regular vigorous aerobic/endurance exercise (\>4 bouts/week, \>30 min/bout at a workload \>6 METS)
Where this trial is running
Boulder, Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder — Boulder, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel H Craighead, PhD — University of Colorado, Boulder
- Study coordinator: Daniel H Craighead, PhD
- Email: daniel.craighead@colorado.edu
- Phone: 303-492-3010
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.