The Effects of Brief Periods of Exercise on Blood Pressure

The study will investigate both acute and long-term effects of a brief exercise on blood pressure. For the acute effect, participants will conduct a single bout of resistance exercise (leg press) with or without blood flow restriction technique. The blood pressure changes from pre- to post-exercise will be monitored. The long-term effect of exercise on blood pressure will be examined through a six to eight weeks home-based intervention program. Participants will conduct two forms of exercise, one is a clustered wall-sit exercise and the other is a scattered wall-sit exercise.

Inclusion criteria

• 18-55 yrs.
• 24 hour average BP >110/70 mmHg, but < 160 systolic blood pressure
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Currently taking anti-hypertensive medication smokers and alcohol drinkers Inability to undertake exercise intervention (resistance and isometric exercise)

Current medical history of any of the following:

hyperaldosteronism Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or type 2) Heart disease Stroke or transient ischemic attack Peripheral neuropathy Aortic aneurysm and/or peripheral arterial disease If female, pregnancy or currently breast feeding Enrolled in another Clinical Trial of an Interventional Medicinal Product or Medical Device or other interventional study Medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the participant unsuitable for the study On long term warfarin Allergies to blood pressure cuff materials or ultrasound gel

Previous medication history of any of the following:

hyperaldosteronism Heart disease Stroke or transient ischemic attack Peripheral neuropathy Aortic aneurysm and/or peripheral arterial disease thromboembolism Infection within limb within 3 months On long term warfarin Allergies to blood pressure cuff materials or ultrasound gel