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

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