Isometric resistance exercise to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension
Effectiveness and Mechanisms of Isometric Resistance Exercise to Reduce Blood Pressure in a Chinese Population: a Randomized-controlled Trial
This study is testing if doing isometric resistance exercises, like wall squats, can help people with high blood pressure lower their numbers better than just doing stretching exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 390 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Hong Kong and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06510998 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of isometric resistance exercises (IREs) in controlling blood pressure among patients with hypertension who do not meet physical activity guidelines. A total of 390 participants will be randomly assigned to either an IRE group, performing wall squats, or a control group engaging in passive stretching exercises. The intervention will last for 24 weeks, with adherence monitored through smartwatches. The study aims to determine if IREs can effectively reduce blood pressure as measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with hypertension who have a suboptimal daytime systolic blood pressure and do not engage in regular physical activity.
Not a fit: Patients with severe hypertension, secondary hypertension, or those on multiple antihypertensive medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological method for managing hypertension, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the effectiveness of isometric resistance exercises for hypertension is not well-established, previous studies suggest potential benefits, making this approach promising yet novel.
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 at baseline or at 12 weeks follow-up to ensure safety * pregnancy/breastfeeding * active malignancy
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong and 1 other locations
- Lek Yuen General Outpatient Clinic — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- School of public health and primary care — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eric Kam-Pui Lee, MSc, FRACGP
- Email: lkp032@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 22528462
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.