Isometric resistance exercise for atherosclerosis in hypertension
Official title: The Impact of Isometric Resistance Exercise on Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Hypertension: A Substudy of Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT07665034 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether isometric resistance exercise, like wall squats, can improve markers of atherosclerosis in adults with high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shatin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 16, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07665034 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with essential hypertension, suboptimal BP control on stable therapy, and willing to engage in a 24‑week isometric exercise program.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with very high baseline blood pressure, contraindications to imaging, or inability to perform the required isometric exercises may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial will enroll about 200 adults with essential hypertension and suboptimal blood pressure control who are not or minimally treated with medications. Participants will perform isometric resistance exercise (and comparison activities) for 24 weeks, with monitoring of blood pressure, brachial flow-mediated dilation and carotid intima-media thickness as surrogate markers of atherosclerosis, plus inflammatory and vascular health parameters. The study aims to see if sustained muscle contraction exercises can slow atherosclerotic processes and improve arterial function compared with baseline. Imaging and biomarker assessments will occur at baseline, 24 weeks, and ideally at 1 year. The work is conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and its affiliated department of medicine and therapeutics, with no stated external collaborators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience slowed progression of atherosclerosis and improved arterial health through a low-cost, accessible exercise approach.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests vascular and BP benefits from exercise, but long-term effects of isometric resistance exercise on vascular surrogates are less established, making this study relatively novel in this context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. asymptomatic clinically stable adults 2. aged \>18 years 3. No regular physical activites 4. Suboptimal BP (on stable medication) with SBP 135-160mmHG on ambulatory BP monitoring (AMBP) 5. Agreeable to no drug changes during the interventional period (24 weeks) 6. Agreeable to provide informed written consent form 7. Agreeable to have AMBP and ultrasonic (FMD \& IMT) scan thrice (baseline, 24 weeks and preferably 1 year) Exclusion Criteria: 1. relative contraindications to AMBP (e.g. atrial fibrillation) 2. severe osteoarthritis of knee 3. known secondary HT 4. Systolic BP \>160 mmHg or diastolic BP \>100 mmHg on ABBP monitoring at baseline or at 12 weeks follow up (to ensure safety) 5. Resistant HT, require \> 3 anti-HT medications at maximum doses, or \> 4 medications for BP control 6. pregnancy/breastfeeding 7. active malignancy
Where it's running
-
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics
Shatin, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kam Sang Woo — Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: KS Woo, MBBS,MD,FACC
- Email: kamsangwoo@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 26474966
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.