CompletedInterventional

Trial of isometric exercise to lower blood pressure

High blood pressure is a common problem in the UK, often leading to serious health issues like strokes and heart attacks. Many people struggle to get their blood pressure into a healthy range, even with lifestyle changes or medication. This study is exploring a specific type of exercise called isometric exercise, specifically wall squats, as a possible new way to help. Previous small studies suggest that just a few minutes of personalised wall squats a few times a week could significantly lower blood pressure. This larger study wants to confirm if this simple, at-home exercise really works for more people and can be easily done. Participants will receive a home blood pressure monitor and either lifestyle advice alone or advice plus the wall-squat exercise programme.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

542

Start

14 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Stage 1 and 2 hypertension

What is this study about?

High blood pressure is a very common health issue in the UK. When your blood pressure is consistently too high, it puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. While there are lots of ways to manage high blood pressure, including healthy living and medication, many people still find it hard to get their readings down to a healthy level.

This study is looking into whether a simple type of exercise, called isometric exercise, specifically wall squats, could be a helpful new tool. Isometric exercises involve holding a muscle in a fixed position, like leaning against a wall in a squat position. Early research has shown that doing short, regular wall squats might be very effective at lowering blood pressure, even more so than some other types of exercise, and without needing a lot of time or effort. These previous studies suggest that people can easily do and enjoy these exercises at home.

Now, a larger study is needed to confirm these promising results. The main goal of this research is to see if regular wall-squat exercises can consistently reduce blood pressure in people who have it too high. The study aims to make this exercise easy for people to do at home without needing a healthcare professional present, making it a potentially very accessible option for many.

Key takeaways

Study explores wall-squat exercise for high blood pressure.
Aims to confirm if home exercises can lower blood pressure.
Participants get a free home blood pressure monitor.
Involves short, regular exercise sessions for some.
Designed to be easy to do from home.
Potential benefits include lower blood pressure and improved fitness.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or older with a diagnosis of high blood pressure (Stage 1 or 2). Your high blood pressure should be straightforward and not complicated by other serious heart conditions.

You should be able to do the wall-squat exercise safely and measure your blood pressure at home. You can be taking up to one blood pressure medication, but there are some restrictions. For example, if your medication has changed recently, or if you take a specific type of blood pressure medicine called a beta-blocker, you might not be able to join.

Also, if you've had a heart attack, stroke, or severe heart valve problems recently, or if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you wouldn't be able to participate. The study team wants to make sure that taking part is safe for everyone involved.

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 18 years old or older?
Have you been told by a doctor that you have Stage 1 or 2 high blood pressure?
Can you safely do a wall-squat exercise?
Are you able to check your blood pressure at home?
Have you *not* had recent changes to your blood pressure medication (in the last 6 weeks)?
Are you *not* pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, it will run for about six months. You'll receive a blood pressure monitor to use at home and some general advice on leading a healthy lifestyle. Everyone in the study will be asked to record their blood pressure readings after 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.

About half of the people who join will also be asked to follow a wall-squat exercise programme for the entire six months. This involves doing three short sessions of wall squats each week, with each session lasting less than 15 minutes. You'll also be asked to fill out some online questionnaires about your diet and exercise habits at the beginning, after 3 months, and after 6 months. There will also be a quality of life questionnaire at the start and after 3 months. If you are in the exercise group, you'll also complete these questionnaires at 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers several potential benefits. You will receive a free blood pressure monitor to help you track your health at home. Those in the exercise group might notice improvements in their leg strength and overall fitness. Even if you don't do the exercises, the healthy lifestyle advice and regular blood pressure monitoring could help improve your blood pressure. The study was also designed with input from patients, ensuring it's patient-friendly. As for risks, you might feel a burning sensation in your legs or an increased heart rate during the wall squats, which is common with exercise. You might also experience some mild muscle soreness in the day or two after you first start exercising. The chance of serious heart problems during this type of exercise is considered very low. Remember, you are free to leave the study at any time.

Locations (1)

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

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Canterbury, England

Common questions

What is isometric exercise?

Isometric exercise means holding a muscle in a fixed position without moving it, like pushing against a wall. In this study, it means doing wall squats.

How long will the study last if I join?

The main part of the study will last for six months. If you are in the exercise group, there will be some follow-up questionnaires at 12 months as well.

Do I have to go to a hospital for this study?

No, you won't need to visit the hospital. This study is designed for you to do the activities and monitoring from the comfort of your home.

Will I know if I'm doing the exercises or not?

Yes, if you're chosen for the exercise group, you will be aware that you are doing the wall squats. The other group will just receive lifestyle advice.

Who is paying for this research?

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which is a major UK research funder.

How to find out more

Ellie Santer

e.santer@kent.ac.uk +44 (0)1227 816439 Official trial record

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