Brief bouts of exercise to lower blood pressure
The Effects of Brief Periods of Exercise on Blood Pressure
This trial will test whether short (5–10 minute) resistance or isometric exercises can lower blood pressure in adults with high or borderline high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Hartford Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (West Hartford, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT07453550 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will measure both immediate and longer-term blood pressure responses to brief exercise sessions. For acute effects, participants perform a single leg-press session with or without blood flow restriction while blood pressure is measured before and after. For the long-term intervention, participants follow a 6–8 week home program comparing clustered wall-sit and scattered wall-sit protocols. The study enrolls adults 18–55 with 24-hour average blood pressure >110/70 mmHg and systolic <160 mmHg, excluding those on antihypertensives or with major cardiometabolic conditions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–55 with untreated high or borderline high blood pressure (24-hour average >110/70 mmHg and systolic <160 mmHg) who can safely perform resistance and isometric exercises would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People already taking antihypertensive medications, with significant heart disease, diabetes, vascular disorders, or those unable to exercise are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, short, easy-to-do exercises could offer a low-cost way to lower blood pressure between medical visits.
How similar studies have performed: Related research has shown that isometric and resistance exercises can lower blood pressure in some populations, but brief 5–10 minute protocols and the specific clustered versus scattered wall-sit approaches remain relatively untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-55 yrs. * 24 hour average BP \>110/70 mmHg, but \< 160 systolic blood pressure * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Currently taking anti-hypertensive medication smokers and alcohol drinkers Inability to undertake exercise intervention (resistance and isometric exercise) Current medical history of any of the following: hyperaldosteronism Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or type 2) Heart disease Stroke or transient ischemic attack Peripheral neuropathy Aortic aneurysm and/or peripheral arterial disease If female, pregnancy or currently breast feeding Enrolled in another Clinical Trial of an Interventional Medicinal Product or Medical Device or other interventional study Medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the participant unsuitable for the study On long term warfarin Allergies to blood pressure cuff materials or ultrasound gel Previous medication history of any of the following: hyperaldosteronism Heart disease Stroke or transient ischemic attack Peripheral neuropathy Aortic aneurysm and/or peripheral arterial disease thromboembolism Infection within limb within 3 months On long term warfarin Allergies to blood pressure cuff materials or ultrasound gel
Where this trial is running
West Hartford, Connecticut
- University of Hartford — West Hartford, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jinghui Yang, PT, MPT, PhD
- Email: jiyang@hartford.edu
- Phone: 347-429-0843
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.