Effects of Respiratory Muscle Exercise on Blood Pressure Response by Sympathetic Nervous System Activation

Abstract

PURPOSE This study investigated the cardiovascular improvement effect of respiratory muscle exercise and evaluate the possibility of improving and preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) from a long-term perspective. METHODS The study was designed as a crossover design with the same subjects (n=9). Subjects underwent a 2-week non-intervention period (CON) and a 2-week respiratory muscle exercise period (RespEX). Body composition, blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and inspiratory capacity were measured for all subjects before and after the intervention. In addition, cold pressure test (CPT) and exercise stress test were performed. RESULTS Respiratory muscle exercise was found to significantly reduce resting HR (in RespEX, Pre- vs. Post-, p<.01). This was accompanied by the strengthening of the respiratory muscles. Also, exercise time was increased (in RespEX, Pre- vs. Post-, p<.001). However, it did not induce an increase in maximal oxygen consumption. The results of the CPT confirmed that hypersensitivity-induced HR increases were prevented. CONCLUSIONS Respiratory muscle exercise may have some benefits in preventing CVD, but it seems reasonable to use it as an adjunctive therapy to aerobic exercise. Although limited, it was confirmed that respiratory muscle exercise can have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular improvement and CVD prevention through CPT.

Keywords

• respiratory muscle exercise
• cardiovascular system
• cold pressure test