Inspiratory Muscle Training, Autonomic Dysfunction and Blood Pressure

Effect of Interval Inspiratory Muscle Training on Autonomic Dysfunction and Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study finds the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle threshold loading training among adults with hypertension. A sample of hypertensive subjects was divided into two groups - inspiratory muscle training (IMT) - group (inspiratory muscle training was prescribed) and sham-group (no load was prescribed during IMT). Both groups had training sessions comprising seven cycles of two minutes bouts of breathing counter to an inspiratory load, each bout parted by one minute of unloaded recovery. Treatment session was performed for three times per week for a total of six weeks. Measurement of each of the variables (blood pressure, resting heart rate (RHR), heart rate variability (HRV)) was taken at baseline and after the six-week intervention.

The present study aimed to examine the outcome of interval inspiratory muscle training at 70% load on blood pressure, resting heart rate and autonomic dysfunction in the hypertensive adults.

Participants were divided into two groups: IMT and sham. In IMT group, the threshold loading inspiratory muscle trainer from POWERbreathe was used with 70% IMT threshold. In Sham group, IMT was unloaded.

Inclusion Criteria:

• stage 1 hypertension
• essential hypertension
• mild hypertension

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects participating in exercise training for more than the last six months
• severe musculoskeletal limitations
• severe neurological limitations
• cognitive impairments
• uncontrolled diabetes
• uncontrolled hypertension
• a history of myocardial infarction (MI)
• a history of stroke in the last six months
• unstable angina
• chronic heart failure
• pulmonary disease of any etiology