Effects of Isocapnic Respiratory Muscle Endurance Training in Healthy Adults

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Healthy Adults

In brief

Respiratory muscle training (RMT) strengthens breathing muscles and may improve exercise performance and reduce breathlessness. However, different training methods and devices create controversy in the field. Two main types of RMT exist: inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and respiratory endurance training, like voluntary isocapnic hyperpnea (VIH). While IMT is well-studied, the impact of VIH on breathlessness remains unclear. This study will use the Canadian-developed BreathWayBetter device to examine how 5 weeks of VIH affects breathing discomfort and muscle function. Findings may help personalize RMT for athletes and clinical patients, improving respiratory care and exercise tolerance.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07103291

Run by

University of British Columbia

People needed

32

Starts

2025-08-04

Expected to finish

2026-08-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-05-15

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 55. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 18-55 years of age (inclusive)
• Male or Female (biological sex)
• Body mass index greater than 18 or less than 30 kg/m2
• Normal pulmonary function: FEV1/FVC > 0.70 and FEV1 ≥ 80%
• Able to read and understand English
• Regularly trains and/or competes at a regional, national, or international level as a road cyclist or triathlete
• Access to a device with the capability to download the Isocapnic app (Apple IOS or Google Play/Android) or the ability to use the Web Based application.

You may not qualify if…

• Currently smoke, vape, or use cannabis, or have a history of frequent smoking, vaping or cannabis use
• History of, or current symptoms of cardiopulmonary (i.e., lung and/or heart) disease (excluding controlled asthma)
• Heart problem; a serious infection within the body; a neuromuscular (nerve to muscle) or musculoskeletal (muscle, ligament and/or bone) disorder; or other health problem that will be made worse with exercise testing
• Contraindications to exercise testing defined as anything that would prevent exercise under proper and safe conditions (e.g. a problem with the heart or lungs, muscle or bone injury, a serious infection)
• Currently pregnant
• Required to read and understand English due to the nature of the consent form and study materials, including questionnaires and training instructions, which are only available in English.

Where it is running

• St. Paul's Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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