RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Isometric Handgrip Training Frequency and Blood Pressure in People With Hypertension

High blood pressure is a major cause of heart problems and can be hard to manage. Many people struggle to do the recommended amount of exercise. This study is exploring a simple exercise called isometric handgrip training, which involves squeezing a device for short periods. Previous research shows this exercise can lower blood pressure. We want to find out if doing this exercise less often – specifically, two times a week instead of four – is still effective. If it is, it could make it much easier for more people to fit exercise into their lives and improve their blood pressure. The study will also look at how people feel during and after these exercise sessions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Swansea University

Enrolment target

Start

20 Mar 2024

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2028

Hypertension

What is this study about?

Many people have high blood pressure, and it's a big factor in developing serious health issues like heart disease and strokes. While regular exercise is known to help, a lot of us find it hard to fit in the recommended amount each week. This can be because of time, motivation, or simply finding exercise too tiring.

Scientists are constantly looking for easier and more effective ways to help people get active and improve their health. One promising exercise is called isometric handgrip training. This involves squeezing a special device, and studies have shown it can be very good at lowering blood pressure, even for people who already have high blood pressure.

Currently, this handgrip exercise is often done four times a week. However, we believe that if we can find a way to make it just as effective but done less often, it could encourage many more people to try it and stick with it. This study aims to check if doing the handgrip exercise only two times a week is still as good at lowering blood pressure as doing it four times a week. We'll also be looking at how participants feel about the exercise – whether it's tiring or enjoyable – to help make it as user-friendly as possible.

Key takeaways

This study explores a simple handgrip exercise for high blood pressure.
It aims to see if doing the exercise less often is still effective.
This could make managing blood pressure easier for more people.
Participation involves doing handgrip exercises and regular blood pressure checks.
It's for people with high blood pressure who aren't highly active.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults between 18 and 65 years old who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have levels that are a bit high. You should also be someone who isn't already doing a lot of intense physical activity.

It's important that you haven't changed your blood pressure medication or diet and exercise habits recently (in the last four months). If you're on blood pressure medication, you shouldn't be taking more than two different types.

There are some conditions that would mean you can't join. These include having very high blood pressure (readings of 180/110 mmHg or higher), certain heart or brain conditions, kidney problems, specific eye conditions, or type 1 diabetes. We also can't include you if you have other serious long-term health problems like cancer, certain nerve conditions, or lung diseases like COPD. If you have any physical problems that would make it hard to do handgrip exercises, or if you're taking nitrate medication (often for chest pain) or hormone replacement therapy, you wouldn't be able to participate.

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.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Have you been told you have high blood pressure?
Are you able to do handgrip exercises without pain?
Have your blood pressure medicines or lifestyle habits been stable for the last 4 months?
Do you not have serious medical conditions like heart failure or uncontrolled very high blood pressure?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, the specific details about visits and how long it lasts will be explained fully by the study team. Generally, you would be taking part in an exercise program focused on isometric handgrip training. This involves squeezing a device that measures your handgrip strength.

You would have regular sessions, either two or four times a week, where you perform sets of these handgrip exercises. The study will also involve checking your blood pressure regularly to see how it changes. You'll likely be asked to report how you feel during and after the exercise sessions. The researchers will let you know the total duration of the study, but these types of exercise programs often last several weeks (e.g., 4-8 weeks). You will not be given new medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help lower your blood pressure, which is a significant health benefit. You'll also learn more about your own health and how this specific exercise affects your body. While isometric handgrip exercise is generally considered safe, there's always a very small risk of discomfort or muscle strain, especially if you have existing hand or wrist problems. The study team will explain any specific risks and monitor you closely. Remember, participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Swansea University
Verified postcode
Swansea, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'isometric handgrip training'?

It's a simple exercise where you squeeze a device quite firmly for a short time, without moving your hand or arm a lot.

Why is high blood pressure a problem?

High blood pressure can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems over time.

Do I need to be very fit to join?

No, in fact, this study is looking for people who aren't currently doing a lot of intense physical activity.

Will I have to stop taking my blood pressure medication?

No, you don't need to stop your medication, but your treatment shouldn't have changed recently.

How long will the study last?

The information doesn't state an exact duration, but these types of exercise studies often run for several weeks (typically 4-8 weeks).

How to find out more

Richard Metcalfe, PhD

r.s.metcalfe@swansea.ac.uk 01792205678 Official trial record

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