Remote vinyasa (flow) yoga for high blood pressure and heart health
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Remote Vinyasa Yoga Program for Heart Health
This 12-week program will test whether doing vinyasa yoga three times a week over Zoom helps adults with high blood pressure lower their blood pressure and improve heart health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | West Virginia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Morgantown, West Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06961981 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized study will enroll 30 adults with resting systolic blood pressure >130 mmHg and assign 15 people to a 12-week vinyasa yoga program (three sessions per week via Zoom) and 15 to continue their usual routine. Investigators will measure blood pressure and other markers of physical health and well-being before and after the intervention or control period. The team will also track feasibility and acceptability outcomes such as attendance, adherence, and participant feedback. Preliminary changes in cardiovascular measures will be used to inform the need for a larger trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with resting systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg who are not already meeting aerobic activity guidelines or practicing yoga regularly, can safely perform yoga, and are on stable medications are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic ≥160 mmHg or diastolic ≥100 mmHg), major medical or physical contraindications to yoga, pregnant people, or those already highly active or regular yoga practitioners are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide an accessible at-home exercise option to help lower blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous yoga interventions have produced modest reductions in blood pressure, but remotely delivered vinyasa-specific programs have been less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals with a resting systolic BP \>130 mmHg Exclusion Criteria: * Report currently meeting aerobic activity guidelines (150 min/wk) * Practice yoga regularly (1 or more day/wk in the past month) * Have physical limitations or a major medical condition contraindicating yoga or assessments * Have uncontrolled HTN (systolic BP 160 mmHg or diastolic BP 100 mmHg) * Are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant within 6 months * Are not on a stable dose of medications that could affect study outcomes * Are concurrently enrolled in another lifestyle program * No vulnerable populations will be included
Where this trial is running
Morgantown, West Virginia
- West Virginia University — Morgantown, West Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bethany Barone Gibbs, PhD — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Alexis Thrower, MS
- Email: ant00017@hsc.wvu.edu
- Phone: 724-814-1895
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.