Handgrip Training for High Blood Pressure

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By João L. Marôco, MS

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Boston

Must not be taking: Antihypertensives, Vasoactives, Cardioactives

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular, Musculoskeletal, Metabolic, Kidney, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how isometric handgrip training (a type of handgrip exercise) might lower blood pressure and whether the effects differ between young men and women. Researchers aim to identify factors contributing to any changes in blood pressure, such as improved blood flow or a calmer heart rate. Participants will either perform handgrip exercises regularly for a month or not, then switch groups to observe how each condition affects blood pressure. Individuals with normal blood pressure, who are somewhat active (exercising two or fewer days a week), and have no heart disease or risk factors might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to new insights on exercise and blood pressure management.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that participants are not taking antihypertensive (blood pressure-lowering) or other vasoactive (affecting blood vessel function) and cardioactive (affecting heart function) medications. If you are on these medications, you would not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this handgrip training is safe for blood pressure management?

Research has shown that isometric handgrip training can safely and effectively lower blood pressure. Studies have found that this exercise can reduce the systolic number by about 7.5 mmHg and the diastolic number by about 3.2 mmHg, aiding smoother blood flow through the body.

Importantly, this exercise does not appear to cause major side effects. People can perform it several times a day without feeling overly tired or unwell, indicating that most individuals tolerate it well.

Overall, evidence supports the safety of isometric handgrip training for managing blood pressure, making it a promising option for those seeking to improve heart health without medication. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Most treatments for high blood pressure, like medications and lifestyle changes, focus on reducing overall cardiovascular strain. However, isometric handgrip training is unique because it targets blood pressure regulation through a simple, non-invasive exercise method. This technique involves gripping an object with constant force, which can enhance vascular function and lower blood pressure without the need for drugs. Researchers are excited about this approach because it offers a potential alternative for individuals seeking low-cost and accessible ways to manage their blood pressure.

What evidence suggests that isometric handgrip training might be an effective treatment for high blood pressure?

Research has shown that isometric handgrip training (IHT), which participants in this trial may perform, can effectively lower blood pressure. Studies have found that IHT can reduce systolic blood pressure by about 7.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by about 3.2 mmHg. Reviews of multiple studies also indicate that IHT can lower blood pressure by more than 6/4 mmHg in people with high blood pressure. Performing handgrip exercises just once can temporarily lower blood pressure for a few hours. Regular practice of these exercises can help manage high blood pressure over time. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Tracy Baynard, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Massachusetts, Boston

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young adults with high blood pressure. Participants will be tested on their response to handgrip exercises, considering factors like improved blood vessel function and stress responses. They must commit to a training phase and a non-training phase, each lasting four weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

BMI < 30 kg/m2

Normal blood pressure as defined by the American Heart Association (<130/90 mmHg)

Being recreationally active (≤ 2 days of structured physical activity)

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with a heart, bone, metabolic, or kidney disease.

I am pregnant or have irregular periods.

I have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Initial Laboratory Visit

Participants visit the laboratory to perform static handgrip exercise

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Training Phase

Participants undergo isometric handgrip training or no training for 4 weeks

4 weeks

3 visits per week (in-person) for training group

Crossover Phase

Participants switch to the alternate condition (training or no training) for another 4 weeks

4 weeks

Post-Intervention Laboratory Visit

Participants return to the laboratory to perform static handgrip exercise after both training and non-training phases

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for blood pressure response and other physiological measures

Within 5 days after each intervention phase

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Isometric handgrip training

Trial Overview The study investigates how static handgrip exercise affects blood pressure differently in males and females. It involves initial lab tests, random assignment to either the exercise or no-exercise group for four weeks, followed by another lab test to compare results.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Handgrip training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will perform isometric handgrip training 3 days per week for a month.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will not perform isometric handgrip training for a month.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Massachusetts, Boston

Lead Sponsor

Trials

42

Recruited

17,800+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in hypertensive elderly individuals, showing a decrease of up to 20.2 mm Hg after 60 minutes post-exercise.

The study suggests that IHG exercise can be a practical and effective strategy for managing hypertension in older adults, despite no observed changes in blood lactate or nitric oxide levels, indicating that the mechanism behind the blood pressure reduction may not involve these substances.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute Hypotension After Moderate-Intensity Handgrip Exercise in Hypertensive Elderly People. Souza, LR., Vicente, JB., Melo, GR., et al.[2019]

Isometric handgrip (IHG) training can lead to significant increases in left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP) and heart rate in patients with heart failure, without negatively impacting cardiac function or ventricular-arterial coupling.

The response to IHG exercise differs between heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and those with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), indicating that patient background and exercise type/intensity can influence cardiovascular responses.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of haemodynamic response to muscle reflex in heart failure with reduced vs. preserved ejection fraction. Moriwaki, K., Fujimoto, N., Omori, T., et al.[2022]

Isometric handgrip training (IHGT) significantly reduces systolic blood pressure (SBP) by an average of 6.7 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 4.5 mmHg in individuals with hypertension, based on a systematic review of 9 randomized controlled trials involving adults without comorbid conditions.

In contrast, isometric handgrip exercise (IHGE) did not show any effect on blood pressure, indicating that while IHGT is an effective intervention for managing hypertension, IHGE may not provide the same benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isometric handgrip training, but not a single session, reduces blood pressure in individuals with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oliveira, PC., Silva, MR., Lehnen, AM., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 21 male patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise was found to be safe for participants.

Despite its safety, the isometric handgrip exercise did not result in a temporary reduction in blood pressure, indicating it may not be effective as a nonpharmacologic tool for lowering BP in CAD patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise has no transient effect on blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease. Goessler, K., Buys, R., Cornelissen, VA.[2022]

Isometric handgrip (IHG) training for 8 weeks did not significantly lower resting or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in 11 medicated hypertensive patients, indicating that this intervention may not be effective for those already on medication.

The study also found no improvement in heart rate variability (HRV) with IHG training, suggesting that alternative training methods may be needed for better outcomes in well-managed hypertensive patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of isometric handgrip training on blood pressure (resting and 24 h ambulatory) and heart rate variability in medicated hypertensive patients. Stiller-Moldovan, C., Kenno, K., McGowan, CL.[2012]

Isometric handgrip training over five days did not significantly lower blood pressure more than simply sitting for 15 minutes each day, indicating that both methods can be effective for reducing blood pressure in middle-aged women.

Both the treatment group (isometric training) and the control group (sitting) showed reductions in blood pressure, suggesting that the training may not be necessary for achieving similar benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of short-term isometric handgrip training on blood pressure in middle-aged females. Mortimer, J., McKune, AJ.[2021]

Isometric handgrip training (IHT) is safe and well-tolerated in patients with heart disease, showing no adverse reactions during the exercise protocol involving 41 participants.

IHT resulted in a modest and transient increase in blood pressure and heart rate, indicating it can effectively modulate autonomic function without the rapid cardiac responses seen in dynamic exercises.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hemodynamic responses to an isometric handgrip training protocol. Araújo, CG., Duarte, CV., Gonçalves, Fde A., et al.[2019]

A high-intensity isometric handgrip exercise protocol significantly reduced systolic blood pressure from 141 mmHg to 127 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure from 79 mmHg to 74 mmHg in older adults with pre or stage-1 hypertension after eight weeks of training.

The study involved 23 participants aged 73.8 years on average, who performed the exercise twice a week, indicating that this type of exercise can be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing hypertension in older populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Effects high intensity isometric handgrip training on blood pressure of hypertensive older people]. Zulantay, SB., Cancino-López, J.[2021]

An 8-week isometric handgrip (IHG) training program in 17 healthy older adults led to significant reductions in resting systolic blood pressure, which were correlated with cardiovascular reactivity during stress tasks, particularly the serial subtraction task.

The study suggests that the hypotensive effects of IHG training may be linked to specific myocardial mechanisms, providing insights into how to identify individuals who could benefit from this type of training.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cardiovascular reactivity to psychophysiological stressors: association with hypotensive effects of isometric handgrip training. Millar, PJ., Bray, SR., MacDonald, MJ., et al.[2009]

Isometric handgrip exercise training can significantly lower resting blood pressure, with one study showing an average decrease of 12.5 mm Hg in systolic and 14.9 mm Hg in diastolic pressure after 8 weeks of training.

Another study demonstrated that even with a different training regimen, participants experienced notable reductions in resting blood pressure (9.5 mm Hg systolic and 8.9 mm Hg diastolic) after 5 weeks, indicating the effectiveness of isometric exercises in managing blood pressure.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Isometric exercise training lowers resting blood pressure. Wiley, RL., Dunn, CL., Cox, RH., et al.[2022]

In a study of 4597 participants from the NHANES, increased handgrip strength was found to be positively related to higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in both men and women.

Specifically in men, particularly those who are overweight or obese, greater handgrip strength was linked to a higher risk of developing hypertension, suggesting that stronger grip may not always indicate better cardiovascular health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Handgrip strength is positively related to blood pressure and hypertension risk: results from the National Health and nutrition examination survey. Ji, C., Zheng, L., Zhang, R., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9634841/

Effects of isometric handgrip training on blood pressure ... Meta-analyses have demonstrated that isometric handgrip training (IHT) decreases blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.

2. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41440-024-02033-7

Evidence for exercise therapies including isometric ... A recent systematic review has shown that IHG training decreased SBP and DBP) by 7.5 mmHg and 3.2 mmHg, respectively.

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06601738

Isometric and Dynamic Handgrip Training Effects on ... Single handgrip exercise could reduce the blood pressure for couple of hours so a patient can perform this exercise several times a day if not being fatigue.

4. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.013596

Effects of Isometric Handgrip Training in Patients With ... Meta‐analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training (IHT) can reduce brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) by >6/4 mm Hg ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6600323/

Blood pressure lowering effects of a novel isometric exercise ... High-intensity handgrip training lowers blood pressure and increases heart rate complexity among postmenopausal women : a pilot study. Blood press Monit.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9500826/

Effect of Lower- versus Higher-Intensity Isometric Handgrip ... This study compared the effects of lower- versus higher-intensity isometric handgrip exercise on resting blood pressure (BP) and associated clinical markers in ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167494324004126

Differential effects of exercise training protocols on blood ... Isometric handgrip training leads to greater reductions in blood pressure in hypertensive patients compared to the effects of aerobic, resistance, combined ...

8. trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-018-2441-x

Twenty weeks of isometric handgrip home training to lower ... A systematic review from 2013 highlighted the potential of isometric handgrip (IHG) training regimens in reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) ...