Hand Grip Training for High Blood Pressure

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen by Cheri McGowan, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Lawson Health Research Institute

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

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.

Research Team

Cheri McGowan, PhD

Principal Investigator

Windsor University and LawsonHRI

Eligibility Criteria

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

I am 18 years or older and can give my consent.

Proficient in English (speaking, writing, and reading)

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

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.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Isometric Hand Grip Training (Behavioural Intervention)

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.

Participant Groups

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+