Study of Inspiratory Muscle Training Added to Cardiac Rehabilitation to Improve Exercise Responses in Heart Failure Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of inspiratory muscle training IMT combined with cardiac rehabilitation CR on cardiovascular function in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction HFrEF. The study aims to understand how adding IMT to CR influences exercise responses and muscle blood flow in this patient group receiving guideline-directed medical therapy. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one performing IMT at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure for 30 minutes, three days a week over 12 weeks, and a sham group performing IMT at 5% of maximal inspiratory pressure with the same schedule. The PowerBreathe device is used for IMT, which requires forceful inhalation against a resistance valve. The study is conducted in a double-blind parallel design to compare these two interventions. During the study, participants undergo assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks, measuring changes in locomotor muscle blood flow during exercise and the respiratory muscle cost of breathing VO2. Researchers monitor adherence and safety throughout the treatment period. The total participation time spans the 12-week intervention with evaluations focused on exercise-related cardiovascular improvements.

A Study Investigating the Impact of IMT With CR On Exercise Responses In HF