Effects of inspiratory muscle training on cardiorespiratory network physiology: evidence from cardiac autonomic modulation, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and baroreflex sensitivity analysis

Introduction Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy capable of improving respiratory performance and modulating cardiovascular autonomic function. However, its effects on baroreflex sensitivity, heart rate variability, and cardiorespiratory interactions in healthy young adults remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether a 4-week IMT program, performed at moderate load, improves inspiratory muscle strength, cardiac autonomic modulation, spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and respiratory pattern in healthy individuals. Methods Twenty-two healthy young men were randomly assigned to an experimental group (60% of maximal inspiratory pressure, MIP) or a placebo group (10% of MIP). Before and after the intervention, participants underwent pulmonary function testing and assessments of inspiratory muscle performance, as well as hemodynamic, autonomic, and respiratory recordings during spontaneous and controlled breathing. Heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure variability, and BRS (α-LF) were assessed during respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and responses to the Valsalva maneuver were also evaluated. Results IMT significantly increased MIP by approximately 26% and enhanced peak inspiratory flow, without changes in pulmonary volumes. Vagal indices of HRV increased after training (rMSSD and HF; p ≤ 0.05), indicating enhanced parasympathetic modulation. IMT also modified the respiratory pattern, reducing the Ti/Ttot ratio and increasing expiratory time (p = 0.04). No significant changes were observed in blood pressure variability or BRS. RSA analysis demonstrated a reduction in inspiratory heart rate, and the Valsalva maneuver revealed attenuation of heart rate overshoot in phase IV. Discussion In conclusion, a 4-week IMT program in healthy young adults improves inspiratory muscle performance, enhances vagally mediated HRV, and promotes adjustments in respiratory pattern, without altering spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity. These findings suggest that the autonomic benefits of IMT on cardiac vagal modulation are predominantly mediated by respiratory mechanisms.