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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07147595

Chronic Effect of Isometric Exercise on Blood Pressure in Patients With Hypertension

International recommendations support dynamic or isometric strength training as an adjunct to aerobic exercise. Given the lack of consensus, this study aims to evaluate the chronic effects of isometric exercise, performed through handgrip or isometric knee extension, as a hypotensive strategy in adults with hypertension.

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Key information

Conditions

Hypertension (HTN) Cardiovascular Diseases Hypertension Hypertension Arterial Vascular Diseases

Age range

40 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90620-001, Brazil

About this study

This study is designed as a randomized, controlled, evaluator-blinded clinical trial, conducted entirely at the Laboratory of Clinical Investigation (LCI) of the Cardiology Institute of Rio Grande do Sul / University Foundation of Cardiology (ICFUC). The project follows all recommendations of the CONSORT Statement.

Male and female participants aged 40 to 70 years, with blood pressure ≥ 120/80 mmHg, will be enrolled. After signing informed consent, participants will complete a questionnaire to assess their habitual physical activity level and will undergo isometric handgrip or isometric knee extension training for 4 weeks. Blood pressure will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Patients with controlled hypertension under medication. Sedentary or physically inactive individuals.

Exclusion criteria

Pregnant women. Unstable angina. Heart failure classified as NYHA class II, III, or IV. Recent cardiovascular event within the last 3 months. Chronic renal insufficiency. Diabetes mellitus. History of malignant disease with a life expectancy of less than 2 years. Orthopedic, physical, or mental limitations that prevent the performance of physical exercise.

Treatment and study plan

Isometric Handgrip Exercise

Procedure

Participants will train 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Each session will consist of four sets of 2-minute contractions sustained at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), performed with a handgrip device for each arm, with 1-minute rest intervals between sets and between arms.

Isometric knee extension exercise

Procedure

Participants will train 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Each session will consist of four sets of 2-minute contractions sustained at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), performed with adjustable ankle weights for each leg, with 1-minute rest intervals between sets and between legs.

Primary outcomes

  1. Bood pressure

    Time frame: Assessments (systolic/diastolic pressure) will be performed at baseline and after 4 weeks of training (post-intervention).

    Bood pressure (systolic and diastolic) measured by Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Chronic Effect of Isometric Exercise on Blood Pressure in Patients With Controlled Hypertension: a Randomized Clinical Trail

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2025
First posted
Aug 29, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 29, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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