Dynamic versus isometric strength training for older adults with high blood pressure
Effects of Dynamic Strength Training and Isometric Strength Training on Cardiovascular Health Indicators, Mental Health, and Neuromuscular Fitness in Older Adults With Hypertension: A Feasibility Study
This project will try dynamic and isometric strength exercises to see if they lower blood pressure and improve mental and muscle health in older adults with hypertension who take blood pressure medication.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nove de Julho Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (São Paulo, São Paulo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07448818 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In this randomized feasibility trial, people aged 60 and older with treated hypertension are assigned to supervised dynamic strength training, supervised isometric strength training, or a no-supervision control. Supervised exercise sessions are delivered at a single site in São Paulo with baseline and follow-up measures of blood pressure, cardiovascular indicators, neuromuscular fitness, and mental-health questionnaires. The study emphasizes safety, acceptability, and preliminary signals of benefit rather than definitive effectiveness. Results will inform whether a larger, definitive trial is warranted and which training approach appears most promising.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 60 or older with diagnosed arterial hypertension who are taking antihypertensive medication, have resting blood pressure below 160/95 mmHg, are not currently in a structured exercise program, and have no cognitive or functional limitations that prevent exercise.
Not a fit: People with uncontrolled or high‑risk cardiovascular conditions, active acute illnesses, decompensated clinical states, significant cognitive or functional impairments, or those already engaged in regular structured exercise may not benefit from or be eligible for this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could provide safe, low-cost exercise options that help lower blood pressure and improve strength and mental well-being in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that resistance and isometric exercises can reduce blood pressure, though direct randomized comparisons specifically in older adults with hypertension are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Diagnosis of arterial hypertension and currently taking antihypertensive medication * Age 60 years or older * Resting blood pressure below 160/95 mmHg * No high cardiovascular risk according to the American College of Sports Medicine criteria (for participants with type 2 diabetes, glycemic control with fasting glucose \<100 mg/dL and postprandial glucose \<140 mg/dL) * Not participating in a structured exercise program for more than three months * No cognitive or functional limitations that prevent participation in the exercise program Exclusion Criteria * Presence of acute illnesses, such as influenza, sinusitis, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection, fever, inflammatory processes, or any clinical condition requiring rest or that may compromise safety during assessments or training. * Decompensated clinical conditions, including: Blood pressure spikes, Chest pain, Uncontrolled arrhythmias, Shortness of breath at rest, Asthma exacerbations, Decompensated diabetes mellitus, characterized by Persistently elevated blood glucose levels (fasting glucose \> 180 mg/dL or postprandial glucose \> 250 mg/dL) * Irregular use of medication * Any unstable clinical condition or condition that represents additional risk for the practice of physical exercise.
Where this trial is running
São Paulo, São Paulo
- Uninove — São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Adão Luis Monte L Monte, Ms
- Email: adaoluiz8@outlook.com
- Phone: +55 11 94666 5213
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.