In a nutshell
This study evaluated a procedure called inspiratory muscle training or IMT for its effect on blood pressure and autonomic cardiovascular control in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure).
Some background
One mechanism for developing hypertension is autonomic imbalance. The autonomic nervous system (nerves that function involuntarily) consists in the parasympathetic modulation, which regulates the body's organs while the body is at rest and the sympathetic modulation, which regulates the organs as the body is constantly active at a basic level. A lack of balance between the two systems can lead to high blood pressure, difficulties in breathing and abnormal heart rate. IMT is a breathing exercise that aims to strengthen the respiratory muscles and make it easier for a person to breathe. IMT has been shown to improve a number of cardiovascular problems. This study assessed whether IMT has an effect on the blood pressure and autonomic cardiovascular control in patients with hypertension.
Methods & findings
The study involved 13 hypertensive patients. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 6 patients were assigned to the IMT program, while 7 patients were assigned to a placebo-IMT (a fake exercise training to compare the efficacy of the real IMT) program, as the control group. After 8 weeks of participation in the programs, the IMT group had an average decrease in systolic blood pressure (blood pressure during heart contraction) by 8 mmHg and in diastolic blood pressure (blood pressure between heart beats) by 5.5 mmHg, while the placebo group had no change in blood pressure.
Regarding autonomic cardiovascular control, the IMT group had an increase in parasympathetic modulation and a reduction in sympathetic modulation, while there was no change in the placebo group.
The bottom line
In summary, this study showed that IMT has beneficial effects on both blood pressure and autonomic cardiovascular control in hypertensive patients.
The fine print
The study involved a very small number of patients. Future studies on larger populations are expected in order to confirm these results.
What’s next?
Talk to your physician about IMT and whether it is a good treatment option in your situation.
Published By :
International Journal of Cardiology
Date :
Jun 08, 2013
