Comparing stretching and walking to lower blood pressure
Official title: Is Stretching Superior to Aerobic Training for Reducing Blood Pressure?
Run by University of Saskatchewan · NCT05252208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether stretching exercises or brisk walking is better at lowering blood pressure in people with high-normal blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Saskatchewan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 28, 2022 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 23, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05252208 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 55 and older or younger adults with high-normal to stage 1 hypertension who can walk unaided for 30 minutes.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are already on blood pressure medication without achieving target levels, those who smoke, or individuals engaged in regular vigorous physical activity may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of stretching exercises compared to brisk walking in reducing blood pressure among individuals with high-normal blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension. A total of 96 participants will engage in either a supervised stretching or walking program five days a week for six months. The study aims to measure changes in 24-hour blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and the balance of the nervous system's activation. The findings could inform future exercise recommendations for managing hypertension and cardiovascular health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an alternative exercise regimen that is more effective in lowering blood pressure for patients with hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that flexibility training may yield positive changes in blood pressure, suggesting this approach could be promising.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Systolic blood pressure between 130 and 159 mmHg OR diastolic blood pressure between 85 and 99 mmHg * Able to walk unaided for 30 minutes * Can safely perform exercises as determined by the Get Active Questionnaire Exclusion Criteria: * Not on blood pressure medication unless it has been a stable dose for 6 months and target blood pressure has not been achieved (i.e. below 140/90 mmHg) * Smoking * Already performing 150 minutes or more moderate to vigorous physical activity per week * Already involved in a flexibility-training program (e.g. Yoga or Pilates) * Pregnant or lactating or planning to become pregnant during the study
Where it's running
-
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Philip Chilibeck, Ph.D. — University of Saskatchewan
- Study coordinator: Philip Chilibeck, Ph.D.
- Email: phil.chilibeck@usask.ca
- Phone: 306-966-1072
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.