Try two types of isometric exercises designed to lower resistant high blood pressure

Recruiting

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether two types of isometric exercises—squeezing a handgrip and holding a wall squat position—can help lower blood pressure in people with resistant hypertension (high blood pressure that doesn't respond well to standard medications). Researchers want to find out if these exercises are safe for this group and which one works better at reducing blood pressure.

Many people with resistant hypertension still struggle to control their blood pressure even while taking multiple medications. Recent research suggests that certain types of exercise may help lower blood pressure, but there's very little information about whether these exercises are safe and effective specifically for people with the hardest-to-treat form of high blood pressure.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 40 and 75 years old
you have been diagnosed with resistant hypertension (blood pressure that remains high despite taking three or more blood pressure medications)
you have been on stable blood pressure medications for at least 6 months
you have not been regularly exercising (less than twice per week in the past 3 months)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have heart failure, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
you have had a stroke or heart attack in the past 3 months
you have changed your blood pressure medications in the past 6 months
you have a neurological or bone/joint condition that would prevent you from exercising safely (such as Parkinson's disease or severe knee arthritis)
you have kidney failure or secondary hypertension (high blood pressure caused by another condition)

What participation looks like

You would visit the research center multiple times to try three different sessions: a rest session where you sit quietly for 40 minutes, a handgrip exercise session where you squeeze a device at controlled strength for 2-minute intervals, and a wall squat session where you hold your back against a wall in a squat position. Blood pressure will be monitored closely during and after each session to make sure the exercises are safe and to see how well they lower your blood pressure.

Testing Two Simple Exercises to Lower Blood Pressure in Hard-to-Control Hypertension

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)