Isometric Handgrip Exercise for Blood Pressure Management

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Hypertension
• Interventions: Other: Isometric resistance training

• Registration Number: NCT02458443
• Lead Sponsor: University of New England, Australia

Brief Summary

Recent meta-analyses suggest isometric resistance training (IRT) may be superior to aerobic exercise for lowering blood pressure. The investigators intend to conduct the largest, longest, prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial using isometric resistance training to reduce blood pressure to reduce hypertension.

Detailed Description

We are looking to assess the effect of isometric exercise on ambulatory blood pressure in participants aged 40-70 years who are either pre- or mild hypertensive; either un-medicated or taking medication to control their blood pressure. Our secondary aims are to examine whether the size of blood pressure change is different in those people taking or not taking anti-hypertensive medication, to determine the anti-hypertensive mechanism to IRT, and to establish rate of de-training effects after participants have ceased IRT.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2015-05-21
• Study First Submitted QC: 2015-05-27
• Study First Posted: 2015-06-01
• Study Start: 2016-02
• Primary Completion: 2016-12
• Study Completion: 2016-12
• Status Verified: 2020-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2020-12-14
• Last Update Posted: 2020-12-17

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 80

Inclusion Criteria

• Blood pressure above 120/80 currently not taking anti-hypertensive medications whose doctor has suggested would benefit from exercise; and
• people currently taking beta blockers for blood pressure management.

Exclusion Criteria

• Younger than 30yrs and older than 70 yrs;

• unable to voluntary participate;

• unable to participate under doctor's recommendation;

• smokers;

• arthritis or carpal tunnel which may be aggravated with handgrip exercise;

• known cardiovascular disease (angina) and the following co-morbid conditions:

  • obesity,
  • insulin resistance,
  • depression,
  • mobility impairment,
  • sleep apnoea,
  • fatty liver disease or
  • renal disease

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: FACTORIAL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
IHG 5% BB	Isometric resistance training	Participants with high blood pressure (greater than 120/80) who are currently taking beta blockers for blood pressure control will conduct isometric handgrip exercise at 5% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Isometric resistance training will be conducted three times a week for 12 weeks, with participants conducting 4 x 2min IHG exercises at each session.
IHG 5% Un-medicated	Isometric resistance training	Participants with high blood pressure (greater than 120/80) who are not medicated for blood pressure control will conduct isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise at 5% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Isometric resistance training will be conducted three times a week for 12 weeks, with participants conducting 4 x 2min IHG exercises at each session.
IHG 30% BB	Isometric resistance training	Participants with high blood pressure (greater than 120/80) who are currently taking beta blockers for blood pressure control will conduct isometric handgrip exercise at 30% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Isometric resistance training will be conducted three times a week for 12 weeks, with participants conducting 4 x 2min IHG exercises at each session.
IHG 30% Un-medicated	Isometric resistance training	Participants with high blood pressure (greater than 120/80) who are not medicated for blood pressure control will conduct isometric handgrip exercise at 30% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Isometric resistance training will be conducted three times a week for 12 weeks, with participants conducting 4 x 2min IHG exercises at each session.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure	Change measures: baseline and 12 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Detraining effects, changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after cessation of Isometric Resistance Training	12 weeks and 24 weeks	End of exercise protocol and 12 weeks after completion
Compare and contrast change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of medicated and un-medicated participants	Baseline and 12 weeks

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

UNE Exercise Physiology Lab; 🇦🇺 Armidale, New South Wales, Australia