Inspiratory Muscle Training for Obesity

This trial examines whether training the muscles used for breathing can lower blood pressure in adults with obesity. Participants will use a handheld device daily for eight weeks. One group will engage in high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training, while another will use very-low-resistance training for comparison. The trial aims to determine if this breathing exercise effectively manages blood pressure. Suitable candidates have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 and are otherwise healthy, without major medical conditions like diabetes or severe high blood pressure. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could lead to new methods for managing blood pressure.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does allow the use of anti-hypertensive medications (medications for high blood pressure).

Research has shown that high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training is generally safe. Studies have found that it can improve heart function and lower blood pressure. Participants in past research found the program easy to follow, and no major safety issues were reported.

In one study, people who did this training experienced better blood pressure and stronger breathing. The lack of specific information on side effects suggests they might be rare or mild. This training has been tested in different groups and has been well-tolerated.

Researchers are excited about inspiratory muscle training for obesity because it offers a unique approach by focusing on strengthening the breathing muscles. Unlike traditional obesity treatments that primarily involve diet changes, exercise, or medications targeting metabolism, this method uses a handheld device to increase breathing resistance, potentially enhancing fat burning and overall fitness. The high-resistance version challenges the muscles more, while the very-low-resistance option serves as a baseline for comparison, allowing researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of increased resistance in this innovative strategy.

Research has shown that high-resistance breathing exercises, which participants in this trial may receive, can enhance physical ability and breathing muscle strength in individuals with obesity. One study found that this training improved endurance and muscle strength in just six weeks. Another study demonstrated that these exercises lowered resting blood pressure, particularly the systolic pressure, suggesting the training might help control blood pressure in adults with obesity. Although lung function, BMI, and metabolism showed little change, the improvements in muscle strength and blood pressure are promising. Overall, strong evidence supports this method for managing blood pressure in people with obesity. Meanwhile, this trial will also evaluate very-low-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training as a comparator.¹⁴⁶⁷⁸