Effect of Isometric Handgrip Exercises on Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Adults

Not Applicable

Completed

Brief Summary: 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.

Detailed Description: 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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

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.

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
IHG group	IHG	Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed in 4 sets for 2 min at 30% Maximal Voluntary Contraction (MVC) on both hands with the frequency of 3 days per week for a period of 6 weeks.
Aerobic training group	Aerobic exercises	Aerobic Exercises include walk for 50 min with the frequency of 3 days per week. This exercise will be done for a 6-week period.
IHG + Aerobic exercises group	IHG	Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed in 4 sets for 2 min at 30% MVC on both hands with the frequency of 3 days per week for a period of 6 weeks. Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed in 4 sets for 2 min at 30% MVC on both hands with the frequency of 3 days per week for a period of 6 weeks.
IHG + Aerobic exercises group	Aerobic exercises	Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed in 4 sets for 2 min at 30% MVC on both hands with the frequency of 3 days per week for a period of 6 weeks. Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed in 4 sets for 2 min at 30% MVC on both hands with the frequency of 3 days per week for a period of 6 weeks.
Sham IHG group	Sham IHG	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 Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Systolic blood pressure	6 weeks	Pressure exerted by flowing blood on walls of blood vessels during contraction of heart.
Mean arterial pressure (MAP)	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).
Diastolic blood pressure	6 weeks	Pressure exerted by flowing blood on walls of blood vessels during relaxation of heart.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method

Locations (1): Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center
🇵🇰
Bahawalpur, AL, Pakistan