Hand Grip Training for High Blood Pressure

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

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Research has shown that isometric (constant squeeze) exercise training using an isometric handgrip (IHG) device lowers resting blood pressure (BP) in those with and without high BP. The purpose of this study is to explore if IHG training will lower resting BP in people doing cardiac rehabilitation more than doing only cardiac rehabilitation. Once eligibility is confirmed participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for the study. One group will do IHG training in addition to cardiac rehabilitation (Group 1), and the other group will do only cardiac rehabilitation (Group 2). Participants assigned to Group 1 will be asked to do IHG training on their own with an inflatable ball three days per week for 12 weeks with intensity set based on rating of perceived exertion (RPE) or rating of effort. Participants will self-measure and report their resting BP to investigators. The acceptability of doing IHG training will also be explored by conducting interviews with participants as will the impact that IHG training may have on psychological wellbeing by administering surveys to participants.

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+