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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05240144

Effect of Isometric Handgrip Exercises on Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Adults

This study is designed to determine the effects of isometric handgrip exercises as compared to aerobic exercises in the hypertensive population, specifically in pre-hypertensives and those with hypertension stage I who are not taking pharmacological treatment. This exercise is designed as part of lifestyle modification for these patients and if proven effective, it can provide an easier to perform exercise regimen as an alternative to be incorporated in the exercise plan of patients who have difficulty in performing aerobic exercises because of musculoskeletal concerns.

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Key information

Conditions

Hypertension Cardiovascular Diseases Vascular Diseases

Age range

30 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center

Bahawalpur, AL, 44000, Pakistan

About this study

Hypertension (HTN) is a significant public health problem, with an increasing worldwide prevalence. The disease has an impact on reducing the quality of life (QOL) and can be life-threatening if not treated early. It is considered the major risk factor for cardiovascular and renal diseases. Complications of hypertension can lead to a variety of serious diseases like stroke, heart attack, and even cardiac and renal failure. Non-pharmacological management via lifestyle modification is focused in the initial stages of HTN through the reduction in alcohol consumption, cessation of tobacco smoking, maintenance of body weight, improvements in nutrition, and increases in physical activity. Physical activity improves health status and prevents the complications of hypertension like stroke and heart failure.

Typically, aerobic exercises in the form of walking and jogging are advised as part of lifestyle modification. effectiveness of resistance training is also worked upon. A relatively newer approach in the form of Isometric Hand Grip exercises (IHG) is also under research because it can serve as a useful alternative for patients who cannot perform aerobic exercises because of musculoskeletal conditions. This study is targeted to assess the effects of IHG exercises, aerobic training, both aerobic and IHG training as well as sham IHG treatment for a comprehensive assessment of effects of IHG training.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Pre-hypertension (systolic BP 120-139 mmHg and diastolic BP<80) or stage I hypertensive patients (systolic BP 140-159 mmHg and diastolic BP 90-99mm Hg.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients who are taking antihypertensive agents
  • Malignant hypertension
  • Physical limitation preventing IHG training (e.g., missing arm, severe hand arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or having a musculoskeletal disorder affecting the upper limb.
  • Active systemic illness that restricts exercise
  • People doing exercise regularly
  • Any other cardiopulmonary, metabolic, neurological, or psychiatric illness.

Treatment and study plan

IHG

Other

Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed for 4 x 2 min with the frequency of 3 days per week for a period of 6 weeks.

aerobic exercises

Other

Aerobic exercise according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines that provide the specific criteria as 50 minutes exercises for 3 days a week for a period of 6 weeks.

Sham IHG

Other

Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed in 4 sets for 2 min at 5% MVC on both hands with the frequency of 3 days per week for a total 6-week period

Primary outcomes

  1. Systolic blood pressure

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Pressure exerted by flowing blood on walls of blood vessels during contraction of heart.

  2. Diastolic blood pressure

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Pressure exerted by flowing blood on walls of blood vessels during relaxation of heart.

  3. Mean arterial pressure (MAP)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is the average of arterial pressure during one cardiac cycle and it will be calculated by using the formula MAP = DBP+ 1/3 (SBP-DBP).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Feb 15, 2022
Registry last updated
May 6, 2023

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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