Evaluation of Two Isometric Exercises in the Reduction of the Blood Pressure in People With Resistant Hypertension

Launched by UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO · Jul 17, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of two types of isometric exercises—specifically, isometric handgrip and isometric wall squat—on lowering blood pressure in adults with resistant hypertension. Resistant hypertension is a severe form of high blood pressure that doesn’t respond well to standard medications. The goal of the study is to determine if these exercises are both safe and effective in helping to reduce blood pressure levels in this group of patients.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be between 40 to 75 years old, have a diagnosis of resistant hypertension, and have been on stable medication for at least six months. Participants will first attend an acclimatization session to learn about the exercises and have their intensity levels assessed. They will then complete several sessions, including a control session where they do not exercise, and two sessions of the isometric exercises. This trial aims to compare how these exercises impact blood pressure and identify which one might be more beneficial. It’s an exciting opportunity for those who qualify to contribute to important research that could improve treatment options for resistant hypertension.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 40 to 75 years old, previously diagnosed with resistant hypertension, and on stable medication for at least 6 months.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • People with secondary hypertension, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or renal failure; people with a cerebro-cardiovascular event in the previous 3 months; people with changes in pharmacological therapy in the previous 6 months; trained people (with regular participation (≥ 2x/week) in exercise training programs in the previous 3 months); people who have any contraindication to exercise; people with neurological and/ or orthopaedic conditions that will interfere with their participation in exercise, such as Parkinson's disease or knee osteoarthritis. Participants with low score (\<6) on the MMAS-8 will also be excluded.