Isometric exercise to manage high blood pressure
Effectiveness and Mechanisms of Isometric Resistance Exercise to Reduce Blood Pressure in a Chinese Population: a Pilot Randomized-controlled Trial
This study is testing if doing wall squats can help people with high blood pressure who aren't active enough to manage their condition better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06515054 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of isometric resistance exercises, specifically wall squats, on blood pressure control in patients with hypertension who do not meet physical activity guidelines. Fifty participants will be randomly assigned to either the isometric exercise group or a control group performing stretching exercises. The intervention will last for 24 weeks, with participants in the exercise group following a structured wall squat program. The primary outcome will focus on recruitment rates, while secondary outcomes will assess various health metrics related to hypertension.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with hypertension who are not meeting recommended physical activity levels and are on stable doses of antihypertensive medications.
Not a fit: Patients with severe hypertension, contraindications to exercise, or those on multiple antihypertensive medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an effective non-pharmacological method for managing hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of isometric exercises for hypertension is less common, similar studies have shown promise in using exercise to manage blood pressure.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * a suboptimal daytime SBP of \>135-160 mmHg on a 24-h ABPM * reported no regular physical activity or less than that recommended for adults by the World Health Organization (e.g. \<150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week); * on stable doses of anti-HT medication(s) for ≥4 weeks if the patient is receiving drug treatments * agree for no drug changes during the intervention period (24 weeks); Exclusion Criteria: * cannot provide informed consent * unwillingness to repeat ABPM * relative contraindications to ABPM (i.e. diagnosed atrial fibrillation, nighttime workers, occupational drivers, or patients with bleeding tendencies) * severe osteoarthritis pending knee replacement surgery * known secondary HT * use of ≥3 anti-HT medications at maximum doses or ≥4 anti-HT medications * SBP or DBP are \>160 mmHg or \>100 mmHg, respectively, on ABPM * pregnancy/breastfeeding * active malignancy
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- School of public health and primary care — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
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.