RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

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

This research explores if a home-based exercise program, specifically isometric exercise, along with lifestyle advice, can effectively help people with high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk for heart problems, so finding good ways to manage it is important. Isometric exercise involves tensing muscles without moving, and some studies suggest it helps lower blood pressure. This study wants to understand people's experiences, thoughts, and any difficulties they face while doing this type of exercise at home. It will also track how their blood pressure changes over time. Your participation could help improve future ways to manage high blood pressure for many others.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrolment target

Start

02 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2028

Hypertension (HTN)

What is this study about?

This study is looking into new ways to help people in the UK manage their high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure is a common condition that can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes, so finding effective ways to keep it under control is really important for your long-term health.

The main aim of this research is to see if a special type of exercise called isometric exercise, done at home, combined with advice on healthy living, is a good and practical way for people to manage their blood pressure. Isometric exercise is simple; it means tightening your muscles without actually moving your body, like pushing against a wall. Some earlier studies have hinted that this kind of exercise might help lower blood pressure. We want to understand what it's like for people to do this exercise at home, what they think about it, and if there are any challenges.

By taking part, you would be helping us learn whether this home-based exercise program is something that people with high blood pressure can easily do and stick with. We'll also carefully check if it actually helps to bring blood pressure down. The information we gather from participants like you could be very valuable in creating better ways to manage high blood pressure in the future.

Key takeaways

This study investigates home-based isometric exercise for high blood pressure.
It aims to find out if this method is practical and helps lower blood pressure.
Participants will do wall squats 3 times a week for 12 weeks, with online support.
Blood pressure and activity will be monitored using a smartwatch.
Your experiences and opinions are important for developing future treatments.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to have been diagnosed with high blood pressure by a doctor. You should also be taking medication for your blood pressure, and your treatment plan (the type and dose of your medication) needs to have stayed the same for the last four months. Your blood pressure readings should also be below certain levels (under 180 over 110 mmHg) when measured in a doctor's office.

It's important that you're not already doing any regular, planned exercise program, like a gym workout, aerobic classes, or other isometric exercises, at least twice a week for the past three months. Also, you must be willing to give your written permission to take part.

However, some things might mean you can't join. These include if your body mass index (BMI) is over 35, if you have other heart conditions apart from high blood pressure, if you have bone, muscle, or nerve conditions that would make isometric exercises difficult, or if your high blood pressure is caused by another medical condition. You also need to be able to understand and follow instructions for the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a diagnosis of high blood pressure?
Are you currently taking medication for your high blood pressure, and has the type and dose been stable for the last four months?
Is your usual 'office' blood pressure below 180/110 mmHg?
Are you currently NOT taking part in any regular, planned exercise program (like gym or classes) at least twice a week?
Do you not have other heart conditions apart from high blood pressure, or bone/muscle/nerve issues that would make exercise difficult?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to do a specific isometric exercise called a wall squat, three times a week for 12 weeks. You'll do these exercises at home, and an exercise expert will guide you remotely online. During this time, you'll also receive advice on healthy lifestyle changes that can help lower blood pressure. After the initial 12 weeks, we'll encourage you to continue the wall squat exercise on your own for another 12 weeks without supervision.

Throughout the entire study, which lasts for 24 weeks, you'll use a smartwatch to record your blood pressure and daily activity. After the first 12 weeks, and again at 24 weeks, we'll check your blood pressure to see if there have been any changes. At the end of the study, we'll also have a chat with you to hear your thoughts and experiences about the exercise program.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as learning new ways to manage your blood pressure through a supported home-based exercise programme and receiving up-to-date lifestyle advice. This could lead to an improvement in your blood pressure levels and overall well-being. As with any exercise, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or injury, but you'll have online supervision to help ensure you exercise safely. There are no direct medical recommendations made in this study. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Northumbria University
Verified postcode
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is isometric exercise?

Isometric exercise means tightening your muscles without actually moving your body, like pushing against a wall or holding a certain position.

How often would I need to exercise?

You would be asked to do the wall squat exercise three times a week for the first 12 weeks, with online guidance.

Will I have to go to a clinic often?

No, the exercise programme will be done at home, and you'll receive online supervision. Your blood pressure will be tracked using a smartwatch.

What kind of lifestyle advice will I get?

You'll receive advice on healthy behaviours to help bring down high blood pressure, in line with current health recommendations.

Can I stop participating if I want to?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Helen Llewellyn, MSc

helen.llewellyn@northumbria.ac.uk +447949026070 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.