Comparing blood pressure responses to handgrip exercise in young men and women
Sex Effects on Blood Pressure Regulation to Acute Isometric Handgrip Exercise, Following 4 Weeks of Isometric Handgrip Training
This study is testing how young men and women’s blood pressure changes after doing handgrip exercises for four weeks to see if there are any differences between the sexes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Boston Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06215014 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention aims to evaluate how young males and females respond to static handgrip exercise in terms of blood pressure reduction, both before and after a four-week training period. Participants will perform a single bout of isometric handgrip exercise and will be randomized to assess the effects of this training. The study seeks to identify potential sex differences in blood pressure response and the underlying mechanisms, such as blood vessel dilation and heart rate changes. By understanding these factors, the study hopes to optimize interventions for managing hypertension.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy young adults aged 18-40 with normal blood pressure and no cardiovascular risk factors.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, or those taking antihypertensive medications will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to tailored exercise interventions that effectively lower blood pressure in both young men and women.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have indicated that isometric handgrip training may have varying effects based on sex, this specific approach is still being explored and may provide novel insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages between 18-40 years; * Normal blood pressure as defined by the American Heart Association (\<130/90 mmHg); * BMI \< 30 kg/m2; * No cardiovascular risk factors and no clinically diagnosed cardiovascular disease; * Being recreationally active (≤ 2 days of structured physical activity); * Able to speak English. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure), musculoskeletal (i.e., osteoporosis and sarcopenia), metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes mellitus) and kidney disease; * Taking antihypertensive or other vasoactive medications and cardioactive medication; * Diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety disorders; * Long COVID; * Being a smoker; * Being pregnant or having menstrual irregularities.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations
- UMassachusetts Boston — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Massachusetts Boston — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tracy Baynard, PhD — University of Massachusetts, Boston
- Study coordinator: João L. Marôco, MS
- Email: joao.maroco001@umb.edu
- Phone: 773-893-3897
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.