Isometric handgrip training for patients with peripheral artery disease

Effects of 12 Weeks of Isometric Handgrip Training in Blood Pressure in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

NA · University of Nove de Julho · NCT03663777

This study is testing whether a specific handgrip exercise can help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure and peripheral artery disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages45 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nove de Julho (other)
Locations2 sites (São Paulo, São Paulo and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03663777 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of isometric handgrip training (IHT) on blood pressure in hypertensive patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease. A total of 30 participants will be randomly assigned to either an IHT group, which will undergo a structured training regimen for 12 weeks, or a control group that will be encouraged to increase their physical activity. The IHT group will perform multiple sets of isometric contractions, while cardiovascular measures will be assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate the impact on blood pressure and cardiac autonomic modulation. The study aims to determine if a more intensive IHT protocol can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure for this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include postmenopausal women with peripheral artery disease and specific blood pressure criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with severe obesity, limb amputations, or those who change medications during the study may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a non-pharmacological approach to managing blood pressure in patients with peripheral artery disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with isometric handgrip training in hypertensive patients, but its effectiveness in those with peripheral artery disease remains less explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women in post-menopause phase without hormone replacement therapy
* Ankle-brachial index \<0.90
* Not severe obese (≥ 35kg/m2)
* Not present amputation in the limbs
* Have blood pressure levels lower than 160mmHg for systolic and 105mmHg for diastolic

Exclusion Criteria:

* patients will only be excluded if they make any medication changes before completing the intervention period or present any health problems that prevent physical activity.

Where this trial is running

São Paulo, São Paulo and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Peripheral Arterial Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.