Isometric handgrip training for lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients
Effect of Isometric Handgrip Training on Ambulatory Blood Pressure: a Multi-center Study
This study is testing if isometric handgrip training can help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension who are already on medication.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Florianópolis, Santa Catarina and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03896334 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of isometric handgrip training on ambulatory blood pressure in patients diagnosed with hypertension. Conducted by a network of Brazilian research institutions, the trial will involve randomized controlled groups where one group participates in supervised isometric handgrip training while the other engages in sham stretching and relaxation exercises. The aim is to determine if this training can effectively reduce both clinic and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure levels in patients taking antihypertensive medications. The study will include participants of both sexes who meet specific eligibility criteria related to their hypertension management.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with hypertension, controlled by up to three antihypertensive medications, and not engaged in any physical exercise program for at least six months.
Not a fit: Patients with other cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or those who cannot adhere to the training regimen may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological method to effectively lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous meta-analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training can reduce clinical blood pressure, but this specific approach to ambulatory blood pressure is less explored.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of hypertension, controlled by up to three antihypertensive medications * Blood pressure levels between 130 and 180 mmHg * No high cardiovascular risk (no other cardiovascular, metabolic or pulmonary disease nor any signals or symptoms of these disease) * Not engaged in a physical exercise program for at least six months * Not present cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥ 26 points) Exclusion Criteria: * Adherence to less than 85% of training sessions * Diagnosis of other cardiovascular diseases or diabetes during the course of the study * Adherence to another supervised physical exercise program * Change in medication class and/ or dose during the study * Aggravation of the disease (i.e. blood pressure above 180 or use of four or more medications).
Where this trial is running
Florianópolis, Santa Catarina and 4 other locations
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina — Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Federal University of Sergipe — Aracaju, Brazil (Recruiting)
- Federal University of Amazonas — Parintins, Brazil (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Federal Rural University of Pernambuco — Recife, Brazil (Recruiting)
- Universidade Nove de Julho — São Paulo, Brazil (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Aline Gerage, PhD
- Email: alinegerage@yahoo.com.br
- Phone: 554837218554
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.