POWERbreathe IMST is a natural home remedy to lower blood pressure. Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association from the University of Colorado, Boulder found that the POWERbreathe K3 IMST device lowered blood pressure and reduced heart attack risk. Lower Blood Pressure With POWERbreathe IMST This research is explained by Allison Aubrey in her article, Daily ‘breath training’ can work as well as medicine to reduce high blood pressure, in the Morning Edition of Shots Health News from NPR, which you can listen to below. Daily ‘breath training’ can work as well as medicine to reduce high blood pressure (4-minute listen) Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) Multi-Trial Furthermore, a new multi-trial, retrospective analysis finds the strongest evidence to date that Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training lowers blood pressure. This new analysis is a combined retrospective analysis of all the previous IMST studies that used the POWERbreathe K3 breathing trainer. It shows that the effects are rapid (with initial reductions in blood pressure occurring within 2 weeks) and that blood pressure is reduced similarly in everyone, regardless of age, sex, body weight, etc. Source: A multi-trial, retrospective analysis of the antihypertensive effects of high-resistance, low-volume inspiratory muscle strength training We’ll talk you through the research findings and explain how you can improve your health with IMST. What Is IMST? IMST stands for Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training. It is a form of challenging strength training for the muscles you use to breathe in; your inspiratory muscles. Whereas Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) is scientifically proven to improve inspiratory muscle strength as well as endurance with just 30 breaths twice a day, IMST uses a very challenging protocol of training to elicit more strength from your inspiratory muscles. It trains your inhalation to become far greater than you’ll ever experience during normal daily life or exercise. It is therefore extremely challenging. You can find out what the training protocol is in the section below, ‘POWERbreathe IMST Training’. In the Colorado research, participants use the hand-held, drug-free POWERbreathe K3 breathing device to perform IMST. The POWERbreathe device uses resistance to make your inspiratory muscles work harder as you breathe in through it. Because of this, it is affectionately known as the ‘dumbbell for your diaphragm’. The Need For Natural Remedies To Lower Blood Pressure People are turning to natural remedies to help lower high blood pressure. This is because easy changes to lifestyle can make a difference. Such changes include getting regular exercise, eating a more healthy diet and stopping smoking. But now, research shows that strengthening your breathing muscles with IMST (Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training) can also help. Slow, deep breathing, such as diaphragmatic breathing, can help to lower blood pressure. This is because it stimulates the Parasympathetic Nervous System which is responsible for conserving energy and digestion, as well as slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. In fact, from a young age, we’re encouraged to take a deep breath and count to 10 to help calm us down. So it’s no surprise that breathing training to help lower blood pressure is proving to be so newsworthy. Think of the IMST device as a piece of exercise equipment that is designed to strengthen your breathing muscles but with a side effect that helps to lower blood pressure. How To Lower Blood Pressure Naturally Using POWERbreathe IMST One of the key findings of the research is that just 30 breaths of POWERbreathe IMST (about five minutes) will lower blood pressure. Crucially, researchers report significant drops in blood pressure and improvements in large-artery function. In fact, their findings show that about 5-minutes of IMST lowers blood pressure as much as aerobic exercise and more than some medications. Findings also show POWERbreathe IMST to be safe, and tolerable, with excellent adherence to the training programme. IMST Using The POWERbreathe K3 The IMST research participants used the POWERbreathe K3 device to perform 30 inspiratory manoeuvres, taking approximately 5 minutes (5 sets of 6 breaths-in, with 1‐minute rest between sets), 6 days per week, for 6 weeks. However, their first week of training was at 55% PIMAX which is quite hard, hence 6 breath-sets and a 1 minute rest before continuing. Then, during week 2, training was 65% PIMAX, and finally 75% PIMAX during weeks 3 to 6. Researchers feel that by doing this for 5 minutes a day in the comfort of their own home, people will get health benefits they otherwise might not get. PIMAX stands for maximal inspiratory pressure and is a measure of inspiratory muscle strength, but primarily the diaphragm, as this is the main inspiratory muscle. POWERbreathe K3 Alternative – POWERbreathe Plus MR There is a less sophisticated POWERbreathe device in terms of feedback, and therefore a more affordable alternative to the POWERbreathe K3 that should work just as well at achieving similar results. Lead researcher, Daniel Craighead says, “The key is that they have to provide this high resistance to inspiration. And because it’s something that you can’t really do with exercise, it’s going to be hard to do without some sort of device.” Strength Training Your Breathing Muscles Can Improve Heart Health, According to a New Study (Well + Good) The alternative device that Daniel Craighead suggests is one that reaches a resistance of at least 100 cmH20, to see the benefit. Because of this, he recommends the POWERbreathe Plus. And, because we know our products best, we recommend specifically the POWERbreathe Plus MR (Medium Resistance). POWERbreathe IMST How To Do It The research used the electronic K-Series which will work out your percentage of PIMAX for you using the S-Index test. However, although it is not possible to perform a MIP test to determine this using a POWERbreathe Plus ‘pressure threshold’ device, you are still able to work this out – approximately. IMST – How to do it using the POWERbreathe Plus MR Simply wind up the resistance on your manually adjustable POWERbreathe Plus IMT device, until you can just about take a full breath in. Treat this as your maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). Then, look at the scale on your device to check the training level that you have achieved. You can then work out your percentages from that number, using Table 1 below. For instance, if you can just about take a full breath in on Level 3 of the Plus Medium Resistance (i.e. 72cmH2O as shown in Table 1), then work out what 55% of 72 is. It is 39.6. Referring back to Table 1, you will see that 39cmH2O on the POWERbreathe Plus Medium Resistance model is Level 1. This is the level you should be training at during week 1. Table 1: POWERbreathe Plus Load Selection Range Because the electronic POWERbreathe K-Series breathing devices use tapered loading, an increase from 55% MIP to 75% MIP is more achievable than on a threshold device, such as the Plus. This is because there is no tapering of the resistance and you would end up using your neck and shoulders too much for extra leverage. Think of the device as a piece of gym equipment designed to strengthen your breathing muscles but the side effect has been to help lower blood pressure. After establishing your MIP levels, perform 5 sets of 6 breaths-in, with 1‐minute rest between sets, 6 days per week, for 6 weeks. Try training at 55% PIMAX if possible, but if you find you’re using/straining your accessory muscles (neck and shoulders), then reduce the training load. Other Health Benefits Of IMST Results show that not only did the IMST group lower their blood pressure but they also improved blood vessel health. They also performed better on certain cognitive and memory tests. Furthermore, they were able to keep their heart rate and oxygen consumption lower during exercise. Consequently, the IMST group demonstrated an increase in exercise tolerance too. In fact, previous research confirms improvements in exercise tolerance and sports performance. Along with the latest findings, is also a thoroughly absorbing associated editorial discussing how, “taking a deep, resisted, breath offers a new and unconventional way to generate the benefits of exercise and physical activity.” Journal of the American Heart Association Best IMST Device For Lowering Blood Pressure The POWERbreathe K3 is the IMST device that the research finds to be a promising home remedy to lower blood pressure. The research also investigates its potential for helping you to think more clearly and for boosting sports performance. Furthermore, this paper discusses the Translational Potential of High-Resistance Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training, looking at the efficacy of high-resistance POWERbreathe IMST for improving CV function in other at-risk populations. POWERbreathe K3 – the IMST device used in the research The POWERbreathe K3 offers an easy set-up, is easy to use, and provides easy-to-read training progression without the need for software. It is the ideal IMST device as it records the load, power and volume for each training session and holds a rolling 36 sessions in the memory, so you can monitor your progress. The electronically tapered flow resistive loading valve constantly monitors and tapers to match your reducing strength throughout the breath. This allows greater flow and maximum breathing volume, providing a more fulfilling and effective breath than traditional threshold pressure devices. It also means that an increase from 55% to 75% maximal inspiratory pressure is more achievable than on a mechanical threshold IMST device, such as the POWERbreathe Plus. £550.00 K3 IMT Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 2 customer ratings Add to basket POWERbreathe Plus MR – the most appropriate alternative The POWERbreathe Plus series of breathing training devices is a more affordable alternative to the electronic POWERbreathe K-Series. Specifically, the POWERbreathe Plus Medium Resistance is an adequate alternative as it provides high resistance to your inspiration. Still, it cannot offer the advanced variable loading that the electronic K-Series can, making it less easy to work out percentage of maximal inspiratory pressure, and it doesn’t provide training feedback. However, you are still able to use the POWERbreathe Plus for IMST, as it is possible to work out ‘approximately’ the percentage of maximal inspiratory pressure. Firstly, you need to wind up the resistance on your POWERbreathe Plus breathing trainer until you can just about take a full breath-in. Consider this your maximal inspiratory pressure and log the training level. Using this level/breathing load, you can then work out what 55%, 65% and 75% will be. Basically, in order to achieve results similar to those found in the research, you will need to train your inhalation to become much greater than you’ll ever experience during normal daily life or exercise. So it must be challenging. £59.99 POWERbreathe Plus IMT – Medium Resistance Rated 4.85 out of 5 based on 13 customer ratings Select options The IMST Research The Tests Participants undertook tests to evaluate: Vascular function (that is how healthy the blood vessels are) Cerebral vascular function (i.e. how healthy the blood vessels in the brain are) Cognitive function Physical performance (VO2 max testing assesses this) Motor function POWERbreathe IMST lowers casual systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure Findings from the pilot study show that in both midlife/older men and postmenopausal women with above‐normal systolic blood pressure (SBP), “high‐resistance IMST lowers casual systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Furthermore, reductions in casual systolic blood pressure are largely maintained at least 6 weeks after training is concluded.” https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.121.020980 Figure 1. Casual systolic blood pressure (SBP) (A) and diastolic BP (DBP) (B) at baseline and after 6 weeks of inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) or sham training. Data are mean±SEM. *P<0.05 vs baseline. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.121.020980 PMID: 34184544 In addition to the above findings, IMST also lowers 24‐hour systolic blood pressure. This is when compared to sham training. It also improves vascular endothelial function. Vascular endothelium makes up the inner cellular lining of arteries, veins and capillaries. POWERbreathe IMST is a promising lifestyle intervention “Finally… results provide support for high‐resistance IMST as a promising lifestyle intervention for improving cardiovascular function and possibly decreasing the risk of CVD [cardiovascular disease] and other clinical disorders, such as cognitive dysfunction and chronic kidney disease.” https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.121.020980 Learn More About IMST IMST future research Assistant Research Professor, Daniel H. Craighead, PhD, is interested in exploring yet further, the long-term effects of POWERbreathe IMST. Of particular interest is whether effects are sustained without IMST, or if a maintenance programme is required. In the current study, subjects perform IMST for 6 weeks. Thereafter, participants cease to train their inspiratory muscles. A further 6 weeks after ceasing to train, participants’ blood pressure is measured again. During this 6-week layoff from IMST, systolic blood pressure was still 7 mmHg lower than at the start of the study. “In comparison, systolic blood pressure was 9 mmHg lower than baseline immediately after completing 6 weeks of IMST. This suggests that the BP-lowering effects of IMST are ~75% preserved over 6 weeks. In short, it does appear BP will stay lower for a period of time after doing IMST. I do suspect that BP will eventually increase again, but we don’t yet know how long that will take.” Assistant Research Professor, Daniel H. Craighead, PhD. It is conceivable that a programme of less frequent IMST (maybe 3 days/week) could be enough to keep blood pressure low. However, as this research is still very new, future research will need to investigate this. Learn More About IMT In addition to using POWERbreathe IMST to help lower blood pressure, the IMT training protocol of just 30 breaths twice a day is already scientifically proven to improve inspiratory muscle strength and stamina and reduce breathing fatigue. This is beneficial in sport and fitness, health and lifestyle, as well as for those in the performing arts. There is a POWERbreathe IMT breathing trainer suitable for everyone. Find out how the POWERbreathe IMT device works or read more about the types of breathing trainers in What is Inspiratory Muscle Training.
I have CAD and angina and have had fluctuating BP over many years, mostly too high! I am 69 years on lisinopril and have 5 stents done 12 years ago. Would it still be ok to use the power breathe to lower BP? I do lots of walking and eat healthily Thank you Reply
Thank you for your enquiry, Graham. As with anyone with a pre-existing medical condition, our advice is always to speak to your GP/healthcare professional before embarking on anything new. We are not healthcare professionals and it would therefore be unethical to advise you. Your general practitioner knows you best, so please do speak to them first. You can find the IMT precautions and contraindications listed here. Reply
For the BP protocol it would be 75% of my 5 index which is around 140 (that seems very hard snd high as I’d need to set at around 100 which is impossible for me to complete 30 breaths ) I can do the protocol, with alot of effort at a setting of 75, which is too low per the protocol?? Am I miss something? Also, have any users reported issues with tinnitus when doing protocol with nose plugged?? Thx Reply
Hi Bob, and thank you for your enquiry. I will ask my colleague to email you directly (and copy you in) in order to provide a more comprehensive answer than what I can provide here, in this space. Please look out for an email from POWERbreathe. Reply
I’ve been dealing with high blood pressure for years and have tried many different treatments with little success. I recently came across this blog post and decided to give the POWERbreathe IMST device a try. I’m only a couple of weeks in, but I’ve already noticed a significant decrease in my blood pressure. I’m hopeful that this will continue to help me manage my condition and improve my overall health. Thank you for sharing this information! Reply
That’s wonderful to hear, well done on your training – and congratulations for such a great improvement. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Reply
Thank you for your enquiry, Robert. Here, in the UK, the POWERbreathe Medic IMT device is available for prescription on the NHS, and I believe it is in Hungary too, but that’s all I’m aware of. Reply
For purposes of of lowering Blood Pressure, would you recommend the K5 over the K3? I also need to have shoulder replacement surgery. Will either of these devices be beneficial either pre or post surgery? Thank you for your help. Reply
Hi Paul, the actual research used the K3 so you’ll be fine with that device. Regarding performing Inspiratory Muscle Training prior to and post-surgery, research does show it to be beneficial. This is because IMT before surgery reduced the risk of some lung complications after surgery, as well as, the length of hospital stay, compared with usual care. You can find out more about that here. Regarding post-op, we would suggest you speak to your healthcare professional or surgeon before taking up your IMT again. Reply
Absolutely Adam. The nose clip is simply there to help users from partially breathing in through their nose. The nose clip stops that and ensures that you’re using your diaphragm to its fullest. But the device will still target your breathing muscles and you’ll still exercise them and gain the benefit. Reply
I have purchased the Powerbreathe Plus to lower blood pressure. Could you tell me whether I can remove the device to breath out in order to minimise saliva? Thank you Reply
Hi Dave, and thank you for this great question. Yes, you will still get the same benefit from your training if you remove the device from your mouth in order to minimise saliva. We understand many people do, as they too prefer to use it this way, as opposed to breathing out through the device. Reply
I have seizure disorder and vagal nerve stimulater implant. Blood pressure rising lte,y due to stress excess . Mental or physical stimulation has led. To seizures. Any problems using device in my condition. Also have 30% brain damage due to encephalitics panic attacks and all of the rest. Reply
Thank you for your enquiry James but I’m afraid, as we’re not medical professionals, it would not be ethical for us to offer advice regarding the suitability of a device, as we believe the best thing for you to do is to speak to your healthcare professional. Here is a link to the current precautions and contraindications that we are aware of for inspiratory muscle training, which does state: The K-Series devices are not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. It might be useful to share with your GP. Reply
I’m afraid Marian that the POWERbreathe Classic and Plus are approved for single-person use only, as they’re exposed to saliva (and potentially bacteria), and I think you have a POWERbreathe Medic Plus. If you did wish to purchase one for your spouse, and if you haven’t already, then it might be worth you signing up for the POWERbreathe Newsletter (which you can unsubscribe from at any time) from the home page of the website. You will be sent a code which can be used at checkout to receive 10% off a POWERbreathe Plus model, including the POWERbreathe Medic Plus. Reply
Hello, Can you please explain the difference between Powerbreath and cheap Chinese devices in AliExpress? Why is Powerbreath better? Thank you. Reply
Hello Ter and thank you for your enquiry. In 1996 the very first Inspiratory Muscle Training device was developed – it was the POWERbreathe Classic. Then in 2006, the POWERbreathe Plus IMT device was developed and the Classic Medic and Plus Medic IMT devices began becoming the IMT device of choice in research (and available for prescription in the UK by the NHS). Since then, there have been many copycat products, fakes, and lookalikes. These are available on many eCommerce platforms. We cannot vouch for the efficacy of these other products but can vouch for the efficacy of all our POWERbreathe better-breathing products. The efficacy of POWERbreathe IMT is demonstrated in over 100 clinical and laboratory-controlled trials to generate improvements in respiratory muscle function in people with medical conditions and in sports performance. Basically, POWERbreathe IMT has lab-proven effects, which you will see in all the research we share on the website. I hope that helps answer your question Ter. Reply
Hi there this is DM kamarth from India I am 58 years old i have high blood pressure since 20 years so which powerbeathe device I should use please recommend. Regards Reply
Hello there and thank you for getting in touch. Although the research used the POWERbreathe K3, the research leader has suggested a more affordable alternative would be the POWERbreathe Plus Medium Resistance. Probably the most important thing to note is the training protocol that the researchers used. There is a section explaining the protocol used in the blog, IMST to Lower Blood Pressure, under the heading, ‘POWERbreathe IMST How To Do It’. Reply
I live in the USA. How do I clean the unit if the cleaning tablets cannot be shipped to the USA? Reply
Hi Kath. The POWERbreathe cleansing tablets are similar to those used for cleaning a baby’s bottle and are safe for anything that comes into contact with the mouth. So you could use something in the USA that has a similar use. Hope that helps. Reply
Hi – I have just finished 6 weeks using the Power Breathe Plus. My objective was to build upper respiratory strength as I have asthma. I am amazed by how it has improved my lung capacity and cleared my lungs. The clearing of my lungs has virtually stopped my asthma cough allowing uninterrupted nightly sleep which I have not had for at least 2 years. My question is, will I be able to maintain these benefits if I continue the training fewer times per week? Reply
That’s wonderful news Nancy – well done! We’re delighted POWERbreathe IMT has helped you. Regarding the continued use of your POWERbreathe training, in your user manual, you should find some information about maintaining your progress with reduced training. Click here (and scroll up the page) to view the maintenance training programme. Thank you so much for sharing your great news. Best wishes to you Nancy. Reply
I began using the K3 in late October, 2021, after a bout of COVID-19 (and corresponding loss of stamina) and after reading the research paper on IMST for blood pressure lowering (I have had hypertension for almost 30 years, taking 3 antihypertensive medications). I have never followed the training regimen described in the research paper. Rather, I have just used the K3 on its automatic (not custom) setting, thirty inspirations (per the automatic setting) in one sitting, sometimes stopping for one/two breaks in the 30 inspirations (to swallow saliva). I have kept track of my session results, which gradually improved over time, and are now at asymptotic level for me (I am 83 years old; my “load” score is now ~50 each day). My systolic BP has dropped significantly and, over time, I have also reduced my medication by half. My regimen is one set of 30 inspirations (the default K3 protocol), one time per day, seven days a week. I have made the K3 30 IMST/session part of my daily care regimen and am grateful to PowerBreathe for their devices and the research studies in support of IMST training. Reply
Jack congratulations! This is wonderful news! We’re so happy that your POWERbreathe K3 has made such a difference to you and we will share your feedback with the team at the University of Colorado Boulder who conducted the research. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, and keep up the good work 🙂 Reply
U. Colorado tested for 6 weeks and BP fell. Is the idea to keep doing the routine indefinitely for BP stay lower? Would continuing the routine after 6 weeks be likely to drop BP even more? Thanks. Reply
Hi Kathleen and thank you for your enquiry. I believe it’s too early to say because the initial findings have only just been published. I will email the Research Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder to see if the team can advise me and then I’ll come back to you. It would be great if they could identify a maintenance protocol, but I will keep you posted. Best wishes to you. Reply
I have purchased the Power BreathePlus to help lower my blood pressure. Can you explain exactly how to use to breathe accomplish this… I have the the setting OK… Thank you, Sandra Reply
Hello Sandra and thank you for your comment. The research participants used the following protocol for training: 30 inspiratory manoeuvres (5 sets of 6 breaths-in, with 1‐minute rest between sets), 6 days per week, for 6 weeks. However, subjects in the IMST group trained at 55% PIMAX during week 1, 65% PIMAX during week 2, and 75% PIMAX during weeks 3 to 6. (55% of Maximum Inspiratory Pressure is quite hard, hence 6 breaths and a 1 minute rest before continuing.) The research used the electronic K-Series which will work this out for you using the S-Index test, and although you can’t do a MIP test on the manual, Plus ‘pressure threshold’ device, you can work it out – approximately. Wind up the resistance on your POWERbreathe Plus until you can just about take a full breath-in and treat that as your max, then work out you percentages from that number. Because the electronic POWERbreathe K-Series breathing devices use tapered loading, an increase from 55% MIP to 75% MIP is more achievable than on a threshold device, such as the Plus. This is because there is no tapering of the resistance and you would end up using your neck and shoulders too much for extra leverage. Think of the device as a piece of gym equipment designed to strengthen your breathing muscles but the side effect has been to help lower blood pressure. So, perform 5 sets of 6 breaths-in, with 1‐minute rest between sets, 6 days per week, for 6 weeks. Try training at 55% PIMAX if possible, but if you find you’re using/straining your accessory muscles (neck and shoulders), then reduce the training load. Hope that helps Sandra. Please let us know how you get on. Reply
It sounds like with the K Series that have the customize/upload option you could create three routines 55 – with 55 cmH2O and 8 breaths (as the first two always default back to 3 cmH2O and won’t change) 65 – with 65 cmH2O and 8 breaths (as the first two always default back to 3 cmH2O and won’t change) 75 – with 75 cmH2O and 8 breaths (as the first two always default back to 3 cmH2O and won’t change) By doing this a person could recreate the study settings, is that correct? Thanks Reply
Hi Ron and thank you for getting in touch. Yes you are correct, good idea. With the K5 and the KH2 using the Breathe Link software you can create custom routines and send them to the handheld device. 1. Create the session in the Custom tab mode and in Train, change from default to Custom in the drop down menu. 2. Once you have mastered 55% you can then create a 65% session and send that to the unit. The unit will only store one custom session. Please note that these levels of resistance are quite hard. So the rest is important and the device uses electronic tapered flow so it will automatically taper the load to match your declining strength throughout the breath. If it was a fixed load 75% would be very difficult. Hope that helps Ron. Best wishes to you. Reply
I have seen different versions of plus, light, medium and heavy resistance, any difference for the blood pressure reduction? Reply
Hello Martin and thank you for your enquiry. The Colorado study you are referring to used the POWERbreathe K3 inspiratory muscle training device with the following protocol: 30 inspiratory manoeuvres (5 sets of 6, 1‐minute rest between sets), 6 days per week, for 6 weeks. Subjects in the IMST group trained at 55% PIMAX during week 1, 65% PIMAX during week 2, and 75% PIMAX during weeks 3 to 6. Note they started at 55% of MIP and worked up to 75% of MIP. MIP was measured using an external device. 55% of MIP is quite hard, hence 6 breaths and a 1 minute rest before continuing. All the K series devices use tapered loading for the training which means the initial resistance that is set is tapered throughout the breath to match the patients diminishing muscle strength throughout the manoeuvrer to maximise volume, flow and muscle activation. This allows them to complete breaths that they would struggle to do using standard threshold fixed loading. There is an equivalent test to MIP on the K2, K3, K4 & K5 models, called an “S-Index” test. It works in the opposite way to the MIP. The MIP is quite hard to do, the respiratory muscles are held in tension. The S Index is very easy to do and an equivalent MIP is calculated by the device based on the flow rate. From the test result you can work out the percentage of that result that you want to train at and set the device on that resistance load (using the “manual” setting). Alternatively the K-Series also has an “auto” mode, and you can set it to Very light (40%), Light (50%), Moderate (60%), Hard (70%) , Very Hard (80%). During the first two breaths of a 30 breath training session on the device there is no resistance and it takes measurements from these two breaths and calculates the % level chosen from these two breaths then sets the device at that resistance for the rest of the session. The test function is not available on the K1 but it does have the “auto” model explained above. So in conclusion, all the K series electronic POWERbreathe devices can be set from a resistance as low as 5 cmh2o up to 200 cmh2o. You do not need to change them. Our POWERbreathe Plus (threshold loading) devices come in light (17 – 98 cmh2o), medium(23 – 186 cmh2o) and heavy resistance (29 – 274 cmh2o). A medium resistance would be adequate and you would not need two devices but remember there is no tapering and they are harder to use and don’t give any numerical feedback. All our IMT devices, no matter the series (Classic, Plus or K-Series) are scientifically proven to improve breathing strength and stamina, so will all do the same job. The electronic K-Series however are the latest development of POWERbreathe IMT devices and so the K3 used in the study records the load, volume, power and energy for each training session and holds a rolling 36 sessions in it memory so progress can be monitored. Forgive the long reply; we wanted to make sure we provided you with as much information as you may need. Reply
Hi – I have purchased the Power BreathePlus to help lower my blood pressure. What resistance should in be set at? I realise this will be set differently for each individual but how hard should it be to achieve the inhalation ? Reply
Hello Peter and thank you for your email. It might be of interest to you to read our reply to Martin’s email first, as it too refers to the Colorado study on IMST for lowering blood pressure. The reason being, the study used the electronic POWERbreathe K3, as opposed to one of our manually adjustable IMT devices. You are correct when you say it’s different for each individual. You should also follow the instructions in the user manual for finding your correct training level. You should find it difficult to complete 30 breaths in one training session. If you find this hard to complete, they this indicates you’re at the right level of resistance to train at. Only when it becomes easy to complete 30 breaths should you increase the training level by roughly a quarter turn, so that you are only just able to complete 30 breaths once again. Reply
Does it have to be the K3 device that gives IMST benefits or does the POWERbreathe medic plus do the same thing? Reply
Hello Charles and thank you for your enquiry. No, it doesn’t have to be an electronic K-Series IMT device, and you’ll get the same inspiratory muscle training from the POWERbreathe Medic Plus. The K-Series just takes out a lot of the guess work when it comes to training at the most appropriate load for you, but all POWERbreathe IMT devices are scientifically proven to improve breathing strength and stamina, so the Medic Plus is a great one to try. Reply
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