Hydrotherapy using temperature-elevating armbaths for high blood pressure
The Effect of Temperature-elevating Armbaths (Hauffe-Schwenniger-Baths) as a Therapeutic Option to Regulate the Blood Pressure in People With Arterial Hypertension - a Randomized-controlled Trial (Wirksamkeit Temperaturansteigender Armbäder (Hauffe-Schweninger Bäder) Zur Regulierung Des Blutdrucks Bei Probanden Mit Arterieller Hypertonie - Eine Randomisiert-kontrollierte Studie)
This study is testing if daily warm water arm baths can help people with high blood pressure feel better and sleep more soundly over eight weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kliniken Essen-Mitte Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Essen, North-Rhine-Westphalia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05928702 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of temperature-elevating armbaths on individuals with arterial hypertension. Participants will perform the armbath daily for 30 minutes over eight weeks, while a comparison group will continue their usual treatment. The study aims to determine if this hydrotherapeutic approach can lower blood pressure and improve sleep quality or overall quality of life. Blood pressure will be monitored through 24-hour measurements at the start, after eight weeks, and after six months.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with at least stage I arterial hypertension.
Not a fit: Patients with acute psychiatric or major physical diseases, secondary hypertension, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an additional non-pharmacological treatment option for managing arterial hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: While hydrotherapy has been used in complementary medicine for over a century, this specific approach has limited scientific evidence, making it a novel investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adult participants (≥18 years) * diagnosed arterial hypertension, at least stage I, based on the Guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension 2018 (systolic \>140 mmHg, diastolic \>90 mmHg) * last change in medication at least 2 months ago * no planned changes in blood pressure medication within intervention time; changes due to medical reasons (e.g., hypotension, hypertensive emergency) are allowed. * willingness to perform an armbath on a regular schedule (min. 5x/weeks) Exclusion Criteria: * acute psychiatric disease ( e.g., addiction, major depression) * acute or major physical disease (e.g., cancer diagnosis within the last 5 years, major known cardiovascular diseases, renal or liver dysfunction), acute infection, major neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinsons´ disease, uncontrolled epilepsy) * secondary hypertension * pregnancy or lactation period
Where this trial is running
Essen, North-Rhine-Westphalia
- Kliniken Essen-Mitte — Essen, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Wiebke Kohl-Heckl, MD
- Email: w.kohl@kem-med.com
- Phone: 004920117425058
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.