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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03254251

The Effects of Stair Climbing on Arterial Stiffness, Blood Pressure and Leg Strength in Stage-1 Postmenopausal Women

We used a parallel experimental design. Following an initial screening and familiarization session of study tests and procedures, eligible postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a stair climbing (SC) group or non-exercising control group. SC training session was progressive program, and was performed 4 days a week for 12 weeks. Measurements were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks during the same time of day (±1 hour) in the morning following an overnight fast and abstinence from caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and between 48 and 72 hours after the last exercise session.

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Key information

Conditions

Hypertension Cardiovascular Diseases Menopause Vascular Diseases

Age range

58 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Stage-1 hypertension
  • Postmenopausal

Exclusion criteria

  • Pulmonary, renal, adrenal, pituitary, severe psychiatric, thyroid, or cardiovascular disease other than stage-1 systolic hypertension (140-159 mmHg)
  • Hormone replacement therapy during the 6 months prior the study
  • Smoker or having any medication changes in the previous year
  • Experience with psychological and physical therapy in the previous year
  • History of steady exercise or exercise training in the last year

Treatment and study plan

Stair climbing

Behavioral

Stair climbing (SC) training was 12 weeks of progressive SC program. Each training session consisted of a general warm-up (5 min: slow and fast skipping, stretching) followed by the SC training and was supervised by experienced personnel. The program began with two bouts of stair climbing four days a week in weeks 1 and 2, increasing by one climb a day every three weeks. By the last three weeks (10-12) of the study, all subjects were completing 5 climbs four days a week. During each climb participants ascended 12 flights (192 steps) divided into 3 sets of 4 flights, with a 2 min rest period between each set. There was a 5 min rest period between climbs that allowed the participants to reach the ground floor using an elevator. Subjects in the non-exercising control group did not participate in a supervised exercise program for the duration of the study.

Primary outcomes

  1. Arterial stiffness

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Arterial stiff ness was measured by brachial to ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV, m/s) using volume plethysmographic device (VP-1000).

  2. Blood pressure (BP)

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    BP (mmHg) was measured by volume plethysmographic device. Diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure were measured.

  3. Muscle strength

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Muscle strength was measured by the eight repetition maximum (8RM) test using extension machine (Cyber 6000).

  4. Body composition

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Body composition was measured using eight-polar tactile-electrode impedance meter (InBody 720). Body weight (kg), fat mass (kg), and fat free mass (kg) were assessed.

  5. Height

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Height (m) was measured with a stadiometer

  6. Heart rate (HR)

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Heart rate was measured by ECG

  7. Body mass index (BMI)

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    BMI was calculated as weight/height^2 (kg/m^2)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Pusan National University

Other

Collaborators

  • Dong-Eui University
  • University of Nebraska

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects of a 12-week Stair Climbing Regimen on Arterial Stiffness, BP and Leg Strength in Stage-1 Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2017
Study completion
2017
First posted
Aug 18, 2017
Registry last updated
Nov 3, 2020

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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