Isometric Handgrip Exercise to Lower Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study investigates the impact of a structured isometric handgrip exercise program on blood pressure in pregnant women, including those with chronic hypertension and normotensive controls. Participants will perform the handgrip intervention or a control rest condition, with outcomes focused on blood pressure measurements and safety during pregnancy. The trial seeks to understand cardiovascular responses to this low-load exercise modality while considering potential cognitive implications linked to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Recruitment is limited to individuals covered by the French National Health Insurance and able to consent in French, conducted at Poitiers and affiliated centers. Results may inform non-pharmacological management options for hypertensive pregnancy care.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women covered by the French National Health Insurance system
* Pregnant women who do not object to participation in the study
* Women belonging to one of the following two groups:
* Women with chronic hypertension present before pregnancy (diagnosed within the past 5 years), defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg, without antihypertensive treatment
* Normotensive pregnant women, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) \< 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) \< 90 mmHg before pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current treatment for chronic or gestational hypertension
* Known cardiovascular disease other than chronic hypertension
* Age under 18 years
* Persons deprived of liberty
* Inability to speak or adequately understand French
* Persons hospitalized without consent who are not subject to legal protection measures, and persons admitted to a health or social institution for purposes other than research
* Persons currently excluded from participation in another research study
* Persons under judicial protection or guardianship Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
* Severe or extreme obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²)
* Thyroid disease
* Heavy smoking

Where it's running

• Faculty of Sport Science - MOVE Laboratory - UR 20296
  Poitiers, France Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Carina ENEA
• Email: carina.enea@univ-poitiers.fr
• Phone: +33 549 454 495

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.