Hand Grip Training for High Blood Pressure

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Tim Hartley, MSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Lawson Health Research Institute

Disqualifiers: Heart failure, Atrial fibrillation, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if squeezing an inflatable ball (isometric hand grip training) can lower blood pressure in individuals undergoing cardiac rehab. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will engage in both cardiac rehab and the ball-squeezing exercise, while the other will participate only in cardiac rehab. Individuals with coronary artery disease, who have experienced a heart attack or undergone certain heart procedures, and can use a phone and email, may be suitable candidates. Participants will monitor their own blood pressure at home and share the results with researchers. The trial also evaluates the ease and mental health benefits of the ball-squeezing exercise. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance cardiac rehab outcomes.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that isometric hand grip training is safe for lowering blood pressure?

A previous study found that isometric handgrip training (IHG) significantly lowered blood pressure in people with hypertension. Research shows that IHG can reduce blood pressure by more than 6/4 mm Hg, lowering both the systolic and diastolic numbers.

Regarding safety, some experts have concerns, but many studies highlight its effectiveness and consider it generally safe. Although no specific reports of serious side effects exist, caution is advised, especially for those with other health issues. Always consult a doctor if there are any uncertainties or concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about isometric hand grip training for high blood pressure because it offers a non-drug approach to managing hypertension. Unlike standard treatments that typically involve medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, this method focuses on improving cardiovascular health through simple, hand-held exercises. This training is unique because it can be easily incorporated into daily routines without the side effects associated with medications. Additionally, it has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of existing cardiac rehabilitation programs by providing an accessible, low-cost way to help lower blood pressure.

What evidence suggests that isometric hand grip training is effective for lowering blood pressure?

Research shows that isometric hand grip (IHG) training can effectively lower blood pressure. Studies have found that IHG training significantly reduces blood pressure in people with hypertension, which is high blood pressure. This method excels at lowering both systolic blood pressure (when the heart beats) and diastolic blood pressure (when the heart rests). In this trial, one group will receive Cardiac Rehabilitation (usual care) plus Isometric Hand Grip training, while another group will receive Cardiac Rehabilitation only. Isometric exercises, like IHG, rank among the best types of exercise for lowering blood pressure. These findings suggest that adding IHG training to heart health programs could further reduce resting blood pressure. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Cheri McGowan, PhD

Principal Investigator

Windsor University and LawsonHRI

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals participating in cardiac rehabilitation who also have high blood pressure. To join, participants must be able to perform isometric handgrip (IHG) training and willing to self-report their blood pressure. Details on specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Proficient in English (speaking, writing, and reading)

I have a history of heart disease, including past heart attacks or heart surgeries.

Minimum of 'blue' level of technology capability indicating ability to use a phone and email for correspondence

Exclusion Criteria

If the participant does not meet the inclusion criteria

I have a history of heart disease or complications, but not coronary artery disease.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in cardiac rehabilitation with or without isometric handgrip training for 12 weeks

12 weeks

Self-reported measurements and virtual check-ins

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Isometric Hand Grip Training

Trial Overview The study tests if adding IHG training with an inflatable ball three times a week to regular cardiac rehab can lower resting blood pressure more effectively than just cardiac rehab alone. Participants will either do both IHG and CR or only CR, assigned randomly.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: CR+IHG Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Cardiac Rehabilitation (usual care) PLUS Isometric Hand grip training

Group II: CR Active Control 1 Intervention

Cardiac Rehabilitation (usual care) Only

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Lawson Health Research Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

684

Recruited

432,000+

London Health Sciences Centre OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

668

Recruited

424,000+

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute and Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

686

Recruited

427,000+

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

678

Recruited

421,000+

University of Windsor

Collaborator

Trials

14

Recruited

7,400+

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. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3721942/

Effect of short-term isometric handgrip training on blood ... The findings suggest that 15 minutes of sitting per day for five consecutive days is just as effective as isometric handgrip training for reducing BP levels.

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

Isometric and Dynamic Handgrip Training Effects on ... Dynamic exercises, sustained hand grip contractions elicit lower systolic blood pressure and heart rate responses. So for patients undergoing exercise therapy, ...

4. bjsm.bmj.com bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/20/1317

Exercise training and resting blood pressure: a large-scale ... Overall, isometric exercise training is the most effective mode in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These findings provide a comprehensive ...

5. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41440-023-01202-4

Effects of dynamic, isometric and combined resistance ... Isometric handgrip exercise training reduces resting systolic blood pressure but does not interfere with diastolic blood pressure and heart ...

6. 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 ...

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02458443

Isometric Handgrip Exercise for Blood Pressure Management Recent meta-analyses suggest isometric resistance training (IRT) may be superior to aerobic exercise for lowering blood pressure. The investigators intend to ...

8. 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.

9. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41440-021-00839-3

Safety, efficacy and delivery of isometric resistance training ... This study highlights that while experts reached a consensus that IRT is efficacious as an antihypertensive therapy, some still have safety concerns.