Feasibility and Acceptability of Isometric Exercise and Lifestyle Change for the Management of Hypertension

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Hypertension (HTN)

• Registration Number: NCT07213479
• Lead Sponsor: Northumbria University

Brief Summary

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and may contribute to poor health and premature death. The purpose of this research is to learn if a home-based isometric exercise programme combined with lifestyle change advice is a practical and acceptable method for people diagnosed with hypertension to manage their condition. Isometric exercise involves a muscle contraction without movement of the limbs and previous research has shown this may be effective for reducing blood pressure. Therefore, this study will explore the experiences, thoughts, attitudes, and barriers to participation. It will also examine the effect the isometric exercise has on blood pressure.

Participants will undertake an isometric exercise programme using a wall squat position, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. The exercise sessions will be completed at home with remote online supervision by an exercise professional. Lifestyle change advice will given in line with current guidelines to promote healthy behaviours to reduce high blood pressure. After 12 weeks, participants will be encouraged to continue with the wall squat exercise for a further 12-weeks unsupervised. Throughout the study, participants' blood pressure and daily activity will be recorded using a smartwatch device.

Upon completion of the intervention period, participants will be interviewed to gather their views and opinions on the isometric exercise programme. Changes in blood pressure will be evaluated at 12 and 24 weeks.

By exploring whether an isometric exercise programme is a feasible and acceptable method for hypertensive people to manage their condition and how this influences blood pressure, this research may aid in the development of a strategy to manage hypertension.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-09
• Study First Submitted: 2025-09-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-10-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-10-01
• Study First Posted: 2025-10-09
• Last Update Posted: 2025-10-09
• Study Start: 2025-11-01
• Primary Completion: 2027-08
• Study Completion: 2028-02-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 70

Inclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of Arterial Hypertension (AH) in accordance with NICE guidelines.
• Under pharmacological treatment for AH with antihypertensive drug, type and dose maintained for the previous four months.
• Blood Pressure with values <180 and <110 mmHg for office systolic and diastolic BP, respectively.
• Not participating in any exercise training program for at least three months before participating in the study.
• Written informed consent provided.

Exclusion Criteria

• Body mass index >35 kg/m2.
• Presence of cardiovascular disease beyond hypertension.
• Known orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, or neurological conditions that restrain isometric exercise execution.
• Presence of secondary hypertension
• Inability to follow verbal instructions or complete study protocol

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Feasibility of Intervention	Baseline to 24 weeks	Feasibility will be determined by adherence to the intervention (number of sessions attended and completed)
Acceptability of Intervention	Post 24 weeks	Participant acceptability will be determined through a qualitative process evaluation involving semi-structured interviews. The interviews will identify action mechanisms, examine experiences, barriers, facilitators, and behaviour change strategies, with a diverse sample to reflect varied demographics. Participants will be asked about their experience of participating in the study, thoughts, and attitudes towards the intervention.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Office and Ambulatory Blood Pressure	Baseline to 24 weeks.	Blood pressure will be measured in mmHg via office and ambulatory methods. Office BP will be taken in a seated position in accordance with resting BP protocols. Ambulatory BP monitoring will be performed with a non-invasive oscillometric device placed on the nondominant arm and programmed to perform measurements every 15 minutes for 24 hours. The secondary outcome is the change in mmHg for systolic and diastolic blood pressure from baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Northumbria University; 🇬🇧 Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom