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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT01263743

Relaxation Response Training to Treat Hypertension

Interventions such as Relaxation Response appear to have widespread effects on physiology. Endothelial function, changes in genomic expression, several biomarkers have been associated with chronic stress and cardiovascular dysfunction, and there is some suggestion that elicitation of the Relaxation Response may lead to improvement in-or normalization of-these factors. By studying the impact of the Relaxation Response on endothelial function, genomic expression and biomarkers among subjects with hypertension, it may be possible to better understand the biologic underpinnings of Relaxation Response-type interventions. Furthermore, with a greater understanding of the physiologic mechanisms by which the Relaxation Response works, it may be possible to better target other symptoms and conditions that can be effectively treated by such an intervention.

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Key information

Conditions

Hypertension Cardiovascular Diseases Vascular Diseases

Age range

18 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

General Inclusion Criteria:

  • Healthy men and women
  • Hypertension (stage 1)
  • 18-70 years old

General Exclusion Criteria

  • No asthma or nasal allergies
  • Non-smokers
  • If on anti-hypertensive medication willing to discontinue
  • Cannot currently practice Tai Chi, meditation, or yoga regularly
  • Current use of the following medications: phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, long-acting nitrates, systemic corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressive or cytotoxic therapies (currently or within the last 12 months), anabolic steroids, and antidepressants.

Treatment and study plan

Relaxation Response

Behavioral

The Relaxation Response is a type of relaxation. The goal of the Relaxation Response is to consciously elicit a reaction opposite in direction to the stress response.

Other names: Meditation

Primary outcomes

  1. Endothelial Function

    Time frame: Eight weeks of Relaxation Response Training

Secondary outcomes

  1. Blood Pressure

    Time frame: Eight Weeks of Relaxation Response Training

  2. Genomic Expression

    Time frame: Eight Weeks of Relaxation Response Training

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Massachusetts General Hospital

Other

Collaborators

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

Registry information

Official study title

Relaxation Response Training to Treat Hypertension: Effects on Blood Pressure, Biomarkers, and Endothelial Function

Important dates

Study start
2009
Primary completion
2011
Study completion
2011
First posted
Dec 21, 2010
Registry last updated
Apr 19, 2016

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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