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Respiratory Strength Training in Heart Transplant Recipients

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

Who can join

Ages 18 to 90 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

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

Exclusion Criteria:

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

About the study

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

What is being tested

• Active respiratory muscle strength training (device)
• Sham respiratory muscle strength training (device)

Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Participants: 90 · Started: May 17, 2024

Contact the study team

• Cara Donohue, Ph.D. · Phone: 615-852-5085

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06190171

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Swallowing Disorders
• Cough

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.