How age, sex, and a handgrip affect heart–vessel communication during low blood pressure
Effects of Age, Sex and Isometric Exercise on Ventricular-Vascular Interactions During Cardiac Unloading
We will test whether simulated low blood pressure with and without a handgrip exercise changes how the heart and blood vessels communicate in healthy young and older men and women.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Boston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06939153 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy volunteers aged 18–35 and ≥65 will undergo laboratory cardiac unloading using lower body negative pressure (LBNP) while researchers record cardiovascular pressures and flows. Participants will also perform an isometric handgrip during some sessions to see how a simple exercise influences responses. The study will quantify ventricular and arterial elastance and other pressure–volume parameters to characterize heart–vessel coupling during unloading. Comparisons will be made by age and sex to identify differences that could explain higher orthostatic intolerance in older adults and females.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy men and women aged 18–35 or ≥65 who have no symptoms of orthostatic intolerance, have BMI <35, are non-smokers, not taking beta-blockers, and (for young females) have regular menstrual cycles.
Not a fit: People with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammatory or renal disease, neurodegenerative dementia, active orthostatic symptoms, tobacco use, pregnancy, use of beta-blockers, or inability to fit into the LBNP chamber are excluded and unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve understanding of why older adults (especially women) faint or feel dizzy on standing and help guide strategies to prevent falls and related complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using lower body negative pressure and handgrip have characterized blood pressure and heart-rate responses and shown age/sex differences, but applying ventricular–vascular coupling measures during unloading is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * People aged 18-35 years or aged ≥ 65 years * Healthy without symptons of orthostatic intolerance (i.e., nausea, sweating, weakness, visual disturbance) * Seated systolic and/or diastolic BP \<140/90 mmHg; * Body mass index \<35 kg/m2 * Recreationally active (≤ 2 days of structured physical activity) * Regular menstrual cycles in young females Exclusion Criteria: * People diagnosed with cardiovascular, diabetes, inflammatory or renal diseases and neurodegenerative-related dementia * Tobacco users * People prescribed with beta-blockers * Pregnant females * People unable to fit or get into the lower body negative pressure chamber
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- University of Massachusetts Boston — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: João L. Marôco, MS
- Email: joao.maroco001@umb.edu
- Phone: 7738933897
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.