Menopause & Hypertension Research Study
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are conducting a research study on how a simple breathing-based training program affects blood pressure, blood vessel health, brain blood flow, and cognitive function in post-menopausal women.
Fast Facts
Blood pressure top number between 115-160 mmHg
Post-menopausal women ages 50+
Compensation
provided
Conducted in
Boulder, CO
Study Background
This study is exploring if performing a time-efficient breathing exercise can affect cardiovascular and brain health in post-menopausal women to the same extent as moderate-intensity walking.
As women age and transition through menopause, changes in blood pressure and blood vessel function can increase the risk for cardiovascular and cognitive decline. Traditional exercise is known to help, but not all individuals are able or willing to engage in longer or more physically demanding programs. Researchers are interested in identifying alternative, time-efficient approaches that may provide similar health benefits.
This study compares a brief daily inspiratory muscle strength training program—using a handheld breathing device—to a standard moderate-intensity walking program. By measuring blood pressure, blood vessel function, blood flow to the brain, and cognitive function before and after the 3-month program, researchers aim to better understand how these approaches affect health in post-menopausal women.
Study Background
This study is exploring if performing a time-efficient breathing exercise can affect cardiovascular and brain health in post-menopausal women to the same extent as moderate-intensity walking.
As women age and transition through menopause, changes in blood pressure and blood vessel function can increase the risk for cardiovascular and cognitive decline. Traditional exercise is known to help, but not all individuals are able or willing to engage in longer or more physically demanding programs. Researchers are interested in identifying alternative, time-efficient approaches that may provide similar health benefits.
This study compares a brief daily inspiratory muscle strength training program—using a handheld breathing device—to a standard moderate-intensity walking program. By measuring blood pressure, blood vessel function, blood flow to the brain, and cognitive function before and after the 3-month program, researchers aim to better understand how these approaches affect health in post-menopausal women.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to better understand how inspiratory muscle strength training may influence blood pressure, vascular health, brain blood flow, and cognitive function in post-menopausal women.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Women ages 50+
- Normal to high blood pressure (top number is between 115-160 mmHg)
- Post-menopausal
- Not taking hormone replacement therapy (e.g., pills, skin patches, creams, gels that contain estrogen, progestogen, or testosterone)
- Not a smoker
- Able to attend 18 in-person visits to CU Boulder
If you choose to participate, you will be involved in the study for approximately 5 months and complete 18 visits at the University of Colorado Boulder. Study activities include:
Completing questionnaires about health history, physical activity, sleep, and cognition
Blood pressure, heart rate, and body measurements
Blood draws and vascular health assessments using ultrasound
Cognitive testing using an iPad
Wearing a 24-hour blood pressure monitor and a physical activity monitor at select times
Completing one of the following programs 6 days per week for 3 months:
A short daily inspiratory muscle strength training program (about 5 minutes per day), or
A moderate-intensity walking program (about 25 minutes per day)
All testing is conducted by trained research staff, and medical oversight is provided when required.
Participants may receive up to $400 for completing study visits. Additional travel compensation may be available.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.