Novel Time-efficient Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training for Lowering Systolic Blood Pressure

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, BOULDER · Apr 13, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new, time-efficient exercise program called Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) to see if it can help lower high blood pressure (systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or higher) and improve blood vessel function in adults aged 50 and older. High blood pressure is a major health concern that can lead to serious problems like heart disease and stroke. The trial will compare IMST, which involves a simple 5-minute exercise for breathing, to brisk walking, a well-known exercise for lowering blood pressure. Researchers hope to discover if IMST can effectively reduce blood pressure and improve overall vascular and brain health.

To participate in the trial, you must be at least 50 years old, have a resting systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or higher, and be willing to stick to the study’s requirements, which include not changing your weight or medication during the trial. Participants will go through some tests at the beginning to measure their blood pressure and overall health, then be assigned to either the IMST group or the walking group for three months of training. After this period, they will repeat the tests to see how their health has changed. This study is currently looking for volunteers, and it offers a chance to contribute to important research that could help many people with high blood pressure.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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)