Stress and Blood Pressure Management for Caregivers
(Stress/HTN Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to assist African American women who care for family members with dementia while managing high blood pressure (hypertension). It tests two approaches: Mindfulness in Motion (MIM), which includes meditation and breathing exercises, and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which promotes healthy eating and exercise. Participants will join one of three groups: MIM and DASH combined, MIM only, or DASH only. Ideal participants are African American women who are unpaid caregivers for someone with dementia and also take medication for high blood pressure. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods for managing hypertension and caregiving stress.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since it requires participants to have hypertension treated with medication, it seems likely that you can continue your current treatment.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that both the Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) program and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet are easy to follow. Studies have found that combining MIM and DASH is effective and suitable for African Americans with high blood pressure, indicating it is generally safe and comfortable for participants.
Mindfulness in Motion alone has helped manage stress and lower blood pressure in caregivers without causing serious side effects, suggesting it is safe for most individuals.
The DASH diet, known for lowering blood pressure, has been tested in many studies and typically does not cause harmful side effects. It involves healthy eating, such as adding more fruits and vegetables, which is safe for most people.
Overall, previous studies have shown these treatments to be safe, meaning they are unlikely to cause harm. However, like any new activity or diet change, discussing participation with a healthcare provider is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for managing stress and blood pressure in caregivers because they offer a novel approach by combining dietary and mindfulness strategies. Unlike traditional treatments that may focus solely on medication or counseling, the MIM-DASH approach uniquely blends the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet with mindfulness-based stress reduction, delivered through accessible telehealth sessions. This method not only aims to improve diet and reduce stress but also fosters peer support and interaction, which can be crucial for caregivers. By integrating these elements, researchers hope to provide more holistic and flexible options that cater specifically to the unique challenges faced by caregivers.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for managing stress and blood pressure in African American women caregivers?
This trial will compare three interventions for managing stress and blood pressure in caregivers. Research has shown that combining Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) with the DASH diet, as participants in the MIM-DASH arm will receive, can effectively lower blood pressure. Specifically, one study found that this combination reduced the systolic blood pressure by 7.2 mmHg. Participants in the MIM Only arm will receive mindfulness programs alone, which have been linked to lower blood pressure and improved mental health. Meanwhile, the DASH Only arm will focus on the DASH diet by itself, which has also been proven to lower blood pressure and enhance heart health by reducing salt intake and promoting healthy eating. These methods have strong evidence supporting their effectiveness in managing high blood pressure and reducing stress, especially in diverse populations.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kathy Wright, PhD
Principal Investigator
Ohio State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for African American women over 40 who care unpaid for someone with dementia at least 10 hours a week, have high blood pressure treated with medication, and can use the internet or phone. They must speak English and rate the person they're caring for as needing significant help. Those already doing mindfulness or yoga, or with resistant high blood pressure aren't eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either MIM-DASH, MIM only, or DASH only interventions in eight weekly 1-hour group sessions via telehealth
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for stress, self-care, and blood pressure outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- DASH Only
- MIM-DASH
- MIM Only
DASH Only is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:
- Hypertension management
- Cardiovascular health improvement
- Hypertension management
- Cardiovascular health improvement
- Hypertension management
- Cardiovascular health improvement
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ohio State University
Lead Sponsor
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Collaborator