Electrical stimulation plus isometric exercise to improve blood flow in resistant high blood pressure
Effect of Combined Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation and Isometric Exercise on Peripheral Hemodynamic Parameters in Patients With Resistant Hypertension
This will try whether adding upper‑thoracic electrical stimulation (TENS) and isometric exercise to usual blood pressure medications can lower blood pressure and improve peripheral blood flow in men and women aged 50–60 with resistant hypertension.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Port Said, Port Said Governorate) |
| Trial ID | NCT07383220 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Fifty participants aged 50–60 with resistant hypertension will be randomly assigned to medication plus a combined TENS and isometric exercise program or to medication plus a conventional physical therapy program. The TENS protocol targets cervicothoracic sympathetic outflow (C7–T4) with electrodes over the upper thoracic paraspinal muscles while isometric and other exercise components follow a prescribed physical therapy regimen. Primary outcomes are peripheral hemodynamic measures including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, and heart rate variability, measured before and after the intervention. The trial excludes secondary hypertension, recent major cardiovascular events, and severe musculoskeletal or neurologic disorders.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 50–60 with a diagnosis of resistant hypertension (uncontrolled on ≥3 antihypertensive classes including a diuretic, or controlled on ≥4 medications), BMI 25–34.9 kg/m², and increased waist circumference are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with secondary causes of hypertension, recent major cardiovascular events, severe musculoskeletal or neurological disorders, or those outside the specified age/BMI ranges are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a non‑drug approach to lower blood pressure and improve vascular function for people whose hypertension has not responded to standard medications.
How similar studies have performed: Small studies have suggested TENS can modulate autonomic tone and isometric exercise can improve vascular function, but the specific combination for resistant hypertension is relatively novel and not yet well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 50 and 60 years. Both sexes were included Patients had been diagnosed with hypertension for at least 5 years. Patients had resistant hypertension according to (Whelton et al 2018), defined as: * Systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg despite the use of three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic, * or controlled blood pressure (\<140/90 mmHg) while on four or more antihypertensive medications. Body Mass Index (BMI) 25: 34.9 kg/m² Increased waist circumference, defined as: * Greater than 102 cm for males. * Greater than 88 cm for females. Exclusion Criteria: * Secondary hypertension due to identifiable causes (e.g., renal artery stenosis, primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma). * History of major cardiovascular events in the last 6 months (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure exacerbation). * Severe musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that impair the ability to perform isometric exercise safely (e.g., recent joint replacement, severe osteoarthritis, stroke with residual motor deficit). * Contraindications to the use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Implanted electronic devices: pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators. Uncontrolled arrhythmias. Sever skin condition: open wounds, rashes, burns, eczema. Peripheral neuropathy or sensory loss. -Known cognitive impairment or psychiatric conditions that would limit the ability to follow instructions or provide informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Port Said, Port Said Governorate
- Out Clinics of Port Said Hospitals — Port Said, Port Said Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mohamed Mohamed Morgan, Bachelor of Physical Therapy
- Email: m.morgan@cu.edu.eg
- Phone: 201026099152
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.