Cardiovascular Health and Respiratory Training Study (CHART Study)

The Arizona Respiratory Neurophysiology Laboratory (ARNL) is investigating the effects of a novel exercise training known as Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) on sleep and cardiovascular function in adults 50 years of age and older who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and elevated blood pressure.

RMT comprises 30 breaths/day (~5-10 minute/day) performed at home over 6-months. Participants will receive their own breathing trainer, routine health monitoring, results of their at-home sleep study, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and blood panels. Compensation up to $1200 is provided to eligible participants.

Interested participants are encouraged to complete the screening questionnaire linked below. You are also welcome to contact us directly at 520-626-0836.

Study phase: II

Basic eligibility criteria:
Please contact the study coordinator for additional eligibility information.

  • Age 50 and older
  • Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study (9 months)
  • Willing to accept random assignment to condition
  • AHI ≥15
  • Above-normal Systolic Blood Pressure  (i.e., SBP ≥120)
  • BMI ≤40 kg/m2
  • Weight stable in the prior 3 months (<3.0 kg weight change) and willing to remain weight stable throughout the study
  • No change in anti-hypertensive medications or other medications (prescription or dosing) in the prior 3 months and willingness to maintain current medication regimen throughout the study
  • Absence of unstable clinical disease as determined by medical history, physical examination, and blood chemistries
  • Total cholesterol <240 mg/dL
  • No current-smoker status

Additional information:

Study commitment is approximately 9 months. This includes the 6-month RMT intervention and the 3-month follow-up without RMT. Over the period of 9 months, participants will have 8 testing visits and 13 training visits on-site at the University of Arizona. The remaining training visits will be performed by the participant at home. 

Primary disease category: Sleep Disorders

Secondary disease categories: Heart/Cardiovascular, Movement & Exercise

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH) / National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Protocol number: 120000022

Projected enrollment dates: August 2021 to September 2025

Official study title: Time-efficient Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training for Improving Blood Pressure and Vascular Function in Older Adults With Sleep Disordered Breathing