Hypertension
Conditions
Keywords
Blood pressure, Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure, Isometric handgrip exercises, Maximal voluntary contraction
Brief summary
This study is designed to determine the effects of isometric handgrip exercises as compared to aerobic exercises in the hypertensive population, specifically in pre-hypertensives and those with hypertension stage I who are not taking pharmacological treatment. This exercise is designed as part of lifestyle modification for these patients and if proven effective, it can provide an easier to perform exercise regimen as an alternative to be incorporated in the exercise plan of patients who have difficulty in performing aerobic exercises because of musculoskeletal concerns.
Detailed description
Hypertension (HTN) is a significant public health problem, with an increasing worldwide prevalence. The disease has an impact on reducing the quality of life (QOL) and can be life-threatening if not treated early. It is considered the major risk factor for cardiovascular and renal diseases. Complications of hypertension can lead to a variety of serious diseases like stroke, heart attack, and even cardiac and renal failure. Non-pharmacological management via lifestyle modification is focused in the initial stages of HTN through the reduction in alcohol consumption, cessation of tobacco smoking, maintenance of body weight, improvements in nutrition, and increases in physical activity. Physical activity improves health status and prevents the complications of hypertension like stroke and heart failure. Typically, aerobic exercises in the form of walking and jogging are advised as part of lifestyle modification. effectiveness of resistance training is also worked upon. A relatively newer approach in the form of Isometric Hand Grip exercises (IHG) is also under research because it can serve as a useful alternative for patients who cannot perform aerobic exercises because of musculoskeletal conditions. This study is targeted to assess the effects of IHG exercises, aerobic training, both aerobic and IHG training as well as sham IHG treatment for a comprehensive assessment of effects of IHG training.
Interventions
OTHERIHG
Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed for 4 x 2 min with the frequency of 3 days per week for a period of 6 weeks.
OTHERAerobic exercises
Aerobic exercise according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines that provide the specific criteria as 50 minutes exercises for 3 days a week for a period of 6 weeks.
OTHERSham IHG
Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed in 4 sets for 2 min at 5% MVC on both hands with the frequency of 3 days per week for a total 6-week period
Sponsors
Riphah International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
30 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Pre-hypertension (systolic BP 120-139 mmHg and diastolic BP\<80) or stage I hypertensive patients (systolic BP 140-159 mmHg and diastolic BP 90-99mm Hg.
Exclusion criteria
* Patients who are taking antihypertensive agents * Malignant hypertension * Physical limitation preventing IHG training (e.g., missing arm, severe hand arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or having a musculoskeletal disorder affecting the upper limb. * Active systemic illness that restricts exercise * People doing exercise regularly * Any other cardiopulmonary, metabolic, neurological, or psychiatric illness.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Systolic blood pressure | 6 weeks | Pressure exerted by flowing blood on walls of blood vessels during contraction of heart. |
| Diastolic blood pressure | 6 weeks | Pressure exerted by flowing blood on walls of blood vessels during relaxation of heart. |
| Mean arterial pressure (MAP) | 6 weeks | Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is the average of arterial pressure during one cardiac cycle and it will be calculated by using the formula MAP = DBP+ 1/3 (SBP-DBP). |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed