Inspiratory Muscle Training X CardioBreath App Effects On Vagal Modulation And Pulse Wave Velocity

Menopause years represent an increasing risk for hypertension and autonomic nervous system (ANS) and vascular imbalance. Existing data point to beneficial effects of respiratory exercises either on ANS and light on therapeutic relevance of these kind of exercises on prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. However, few data is available about the effects of respiratory exercises on both vascular function and interactions with ANS. Besides that, recommendations of slower respiratory rates are associated to healthier physical and psychological states. Among available techniques to perform breathing exercises, most referenced are Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) and Yoga based slow breathing (pranayamas). New technologies have allowed the development of Apps which aim to ease the possibilities of exercising breathing.

IMT uses a mouth device for pressure adjustment and presents a variety e training forms including combinations of intensity and volume through loads adjustment. It aims the enhancement of respiratory muscles strength and endurance.

CardioBreath®App has been developed by experienced physical education and yoga professional based on individual prescription of respiratory rates to workout through voice and image guidance of both posture and breathing technique. The performance might be followed through a progression map. It´s available in portuguese language for Android and Ios, has been submitted to Brazilian Trend Marks Institute (INPI) which has not shown opposition to the registration.

It´s a randomized clinical trial recruiting normotensive post menopause women. Eligible participants will be assessed by Finometer for blood pressure and heart rate variability as measures for autonomic outcomes. Data analysis of these data will be processed by CardioSeries software through Fourier fast transform (FFT) in order to generate vagal and sympathetic values. For pulse wave velocity and central arterial pressure the participants will be assessed by Complior Analyser.

The participants will be randomized into 3 intervention groups as follows: IMT, IMT placebo and CardioBreath®App. The intervention will long five weeks. The exercises will be performed at home for five days/ week during 10 minutes and will be registered by audio for whatsapp (IMT) and "Progress" graphics (CardioBreath®App) Once a week they will visit the laboratory set to adjust loads (IMT) and respiratory rates in CardioBreath®App groups, respectively.

After five weeks the participants will be re-evaluated for all outcomes described above.

Data analysis will be provided by ANOVA of two repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc. All data will be presented in mean +- standard deviation.