This study is looking at whether breathing exercises before a heart transplant can help patients recover better afterwards. Researchers are comparing two types of behavioral interventions: active respiratory muscle strength training, where you use devices with resistance to strengthen your breathing muscles, and sham respiratory muscle strength training, where you use devices without resistance. The study aims to see if the active training improves breathing and cough function, swallowing, and overall health outcomes. You could be eligible if you are an adult (18-90 years old), not pregnant, and are being evaluated for or are on the waitlist for a heart transplant at VUMC. Success in this study would mean seeing an improvement in your maximum expiratory pressure (how hard you can breathe out) and maximum inspiratory pressure (how hard you can breathe in) after the training. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design

This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 90 participants. It compares active respiratory muscle strength training to sham respiratory muscle strength training.

What's involved

You would have three in-person research evaluations lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour, including screening, breathing, cough, and swallow tests, and questionnaires. You would also complete daily breathing exercises for several weeks (10-15 minutes per day) and have one weekly telehealth or in-person session.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Outcomes will be tracked via your electronic health records system after surgery, but the duration of this tracking is not specified.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.