Isometric Handgrip Training Frequency and Blood Pressure in People With Hypertension

Launched by SWANSEA UNIVERSITY · Mar 21, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether reducing the frequency of isometric handgrip training (IET) from four times a week to two times a week can still help lower resting blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Isometric handgrip training involves squeezing a handgrip device and is considered a low-intensity exercise that has shown positive effects on blood pressure. The study aims to find out if doing this exercise less often can still be effective, making it easier for people to stick with the program and manage their blood pressure.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be between 18 and 65 years old, have a diagnosis of high blood pressure, and not be taking certain medications for their condition. Participants should also have a stable lifestyle over the past four months, meaning no significant changes in diet or physical activity. Throughout the trial, participants will be asked to complete handgrip exercises and share their feelings about the training sessions. This study is important as it may provide a simpler and more manageable way for people with high blood pressure to improve their health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged between 18 and 65 years.
• • Scoring low or moderate on the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ).
• • Previous diagnosis of high blood pressure and/or a resting systolic blood pressure ≥130 but \<180 mmHg (self-reported and confirmed during screening/baseline assessment).
• • Currently taking no anti-hypertensive medicine or taking anti-hypertensive medicine with no treatment change within the last 4 months prior to enrollment.
• • Stable dietary and physical activity patterns (including dietary supplementation) over the last 4 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Aged \<18 or \>65 years
• • Resting blood pressure ≥180/110 mmHg or resting heart rate \>100 bpm during baseline as-sessment
• • Manifest cardiovascular disease including cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, or advanced retinopathy (fundus hypertonicus grades III-IV) based on a self-report health history questionnaire.
• • Type 1 diabetes
• • History of other chronic disease including malignancy, neurological conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis) or respiratory conditions (e.g. COPD).
• • Contraindications to exercise based on answers to the physical activity readiness questionnaire.
• • Physical limitations preventing handgrip exercise (e.g. arthritis or other musculoskeletal disorder)
• • Scoring "high" on the international physical activity questionnaire
• • Taking more than 2 anti-hypertensive drugs or a change in treatment strategy in the previous 4 months.
• • Currently taking nitrate medication (as it is commonly prescribed for angina) or on hormone replacement therapy
• • Significant self-reported change in lifestyle patterns in the prior 4 months (e.g. currently on a planned diet for weight loss).