Handgrip exercises to improve brain blood flow regulation
Official title: Handgrip Training and Brain Blood Flow Regulation
Run by Florida State University · NCT07223645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try short isometric handgrip exercises in physically inactive adults to see if they improve how brain blood vessels regulate blood flow.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Florida State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tallahassee, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 27, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 27, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07223645 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 18–35-year-olds who are physically inactive, have BMI ≤30, no chronic cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions, are not pregnant, and can use a smartphone.
✕Probably not a fit
People older than 35, those with obesity (BMI >30), existing cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, recent concussion, regular nicotine use, or who already meet exercise guidelines are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will enroll physically inactive adults aged 18–35 with BMI ≤30 to complete 8 weeks of isometric handgrip (IHG) training. Before and after the intervention they will measure middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) with transcranial Doppler to quantify dynamic autoregulation and reactivity to high and low carbon dioxide, and they will measure total cerebral blood flow and MCAv pulsatility index. The protocol also includes measures of central artery stiffness and uses smartphone apps to support the minimal-equipment, time-efficient home-based training. Findings will determine whether short-duration IHG improves cerebrovascular blood flow regulation in inactive young adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this low-cost, time-efficient handgrip program could improve brain blood flow regulation and lower long-term cerebrovascular risk for inactive adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies found isometric handgrip training lowers blood pressure and improves peripheral vascular function, but its effects on cerebrovascular regulation have not been previously tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 to 35 years old * Body mass index ≤30 kg/m2 (without obesity) * Physically inactive (not meeting the current recommendations of ≥150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise and not ≥2 days per week of resistance training) in last 6 months * Have a smartphone and are willing to download mobile applications used in this project Exclusion Criteria: * Having an overt chronic condition (e.g., cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, etc.) * Being pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding/lactating * Regular use of nicotine products in the past 6 months * Recent head injury/trauma or concussion
Where it's running
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Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida, United States Recruiting
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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.