Exergaming training for patients with hypertension

Effects of Exergaming Training on Balance Among Hypertensive Patients

This study tests if playing virtual reality exercise games can help people with controlled high blood pressure improve their balance and overall health.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 81 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 55 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Riphah International University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Islamabad, Federal)
• Trial ID: NCT06777927 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of virtual reality exergaming on balance and hypertension management in patients diagnosed with controlled hypertension. It aims to explore the integration of various balance components through game-based techniques, addressing the low compliance rates associated with traditional exercise programs. Participants will engage in structured exergaming sessions designed to improve their physical activity levels and overall health outcomes. The study will assess the impact of this innovative approach on both physical and psychosocial aspects of health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 20 and older with controlled Stage 1 or Stage 2 hypertension and no significant comorbidities.

Not a fit: Patients with severe heart failure, recent acute cardiac events, or uncontrolled hypertension may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance physical activity compliance and improve balance and hypertension management in patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of exergaming in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific application for hypertension management is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of Community dwelling controlled Hypertensive (particularly Stage 1, 130 to 139 (systolic) or 80 to 89 (diastolic) or Stage 2 hypertension from 140 or higher (systolic) or 90 (diastolic) if present with any (controlled diabetes or overweight patients) with a medical referral form for medical specialist with physiotherapeutic treatment provided by the local public or private healthcare system
2. Any race or gender with age 20 or older
3. No history of any orthopedic, neurological, Pulmonary or psychological disorders, Cognitive impairments etc.
4. Had not performed physical activity in the previous three months.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Grade III or grade IV heart failure according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification.
2. Recent acute myocardial infarction; unstable angina; acute pericarditis. pulmonary hypertension; uncontrolled diabetes mellitus; Hypertensive crises or uncontrolled Hypertension or Pregnancy
3. Patients who had three consecutive absences during the intervention
4. Unable to answer or understand the gaming or exercise protocols and quality of life questionnaires and fulfil the exercise protocols, due to any severe cognitive deficit
5. Pain with ambulation or dizziness when standing or walking.
6. Contraindications to treadmill walking or VR gaming

Where this trial is running

Islamabad, Federal

• Foundation University — Islamabad, Federal, Pakistan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Imran Amjad, PhD — Riphah International University Islamabad
• Study coordinator: Sana Bashir, MS-CPPT

Conditions: Hypertension, Balance, Exergaming, Gait, Brain derived neurotrophic factor biomarker, Biopsychosocial