RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06190171

Respiratory Strength Training in Heart Transplant Recipients

Impact of Preoperative Respiratory Strength Training on Postoperative Health for Heart Transplant Recipients

Sponsor

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Enrollment

90 participants

Start Date

May 17, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Heart Transplant Recipients Dysphagia

Summary

This research study is investigating whether completing breathing exercises before surgery helps heart transplant patients recover after surgery. Previous studies have shown that breathing exercises can improve breathing, cough, and swallow function in patients with other diseases/conditions. The current study will investigate the impact of a preoperative respiratory muscle strength training program on breathing and cough function, swallow function, patient-reported eating and swallowing fatigue, and health outcomes in individuals undergoing heart transplantation. Participants will: * undergo tests of breathing, cough, and swallow function * complete questionnaires about the treatment, their swallow function * complete breathing exercises daily

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 90 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

Adult (18-90 years old)
Not pregnant
Undergoing evaluation or actively waitlisted for heart transplantation at VUMC with a waitlist status of 1-6
Have a computer, tablet or electronic device with a stable internet connection for telehealth sessions (outpatient)
Be willing to undergo testing procedures and complete the exercise training program.

Exclusion Criteria4

Individual <18 years old, >90 years old
Pregnant
No access to a computer, tablet or electronic device with a stable internet connection for telehealth sessions
Unwilling or unable to undergo testing procedures and complete the exercise training program.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALActive respiratory muscle strength training

Devices will be set to 60% of participants' maximum expiratory pressure and maximum inspiratory pressure. Participants will complete training 7 days per week by performing 5 sets of 5 repetitions for both expiratory and inspiratory muscle strength training (a total of 50 repetitions).

BEHAVIORALSham respiratory muscle strength training

Springs will be removed from devices to ensure training is done without resistance. Participants will complete training 7 days per week by performing 5 sets of 5 repetitions for both expiratory and inspiratory sham muscle strength training (a total of 50 repetitions).