Hypertension
Conditions
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.
Interventions
Isometric handgrip exercise using a hand dynamometer
Sponsors
University of New England, Australia
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
FACTORIAL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
30 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure | Change measures: baseline and 12 weeks |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Compare and contrast change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of medicated and un-medicated participants | Baseline and 12 weeks | — |
| 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 |
Countries
Australia
Outcome results
None listed