Exercise Training for High Blood Pressure

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byMarc Cook, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: N/A

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University

No Placebo Group

Approved in 1 jurisdiction

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?African Americans have the greatest burden of endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Recently, gut microbial dysbiosis (a term that describes a poorly diverse gut microbial profile and lower short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production) has been linked to hypertension and may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in African Americans. African Americans have been reported to have lower gut SCFA and SCFA can reduce blood pressure. Exercise reduces blood pressure and improves gut dysbiosis (increases SCFA) and likely couples' improvements in gut microbial health and vascular function to reduce blood pressure. Thus, the goals of this research are to fill a critical void concerning the interaction of gut dysbiosis, hypertension, and utilizing exercise to identify gut microbial adaptations that accompany a reduction in blood pressure. The short-term implications of this work will advance the clinical communities understanding of the relationship between dysbiosis and the pathogenesis of hypertension in African Americans, while long term implications will promote identifying adaptable gut microbes associated with vascular health to aid in amending treatment strategies for hypertension.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for African Americans aged 30-50 who are sedentary, have slightly elevated to stage 1 high blood pressure but no other major health issues like heart disease, kidney or lung diseases, and aren't on medications that affect blood pressure. Smokers and pregnant women can't participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 30 and 50 years old.

My blood pressure is in the range of 120-159/80-99 mmHg.

I am between 30 and 50 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease.

I have been diagnosed with liver disease.

I have been diagnosed with kidney stones or gallbladder issues.

I have uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of heart issues.

I have been diagnosed with kidney disease.

I have been diagnosed with an inflammatory disease like IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.

I have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Treatment Details

The study investigates how exercise training affects high blood pressure and gut microbial diversity in African Americans. It aims to understand if improving gut health through exercise can help lower blood pressure.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Hypertension (Exercise Intervention)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants with hypertension will submit blood and fecal samples for comparison to control participants with normal blood pressure. Control group will only donate fecal and blood samples and will not participate in the exercise intervention. Participants with hypertension will also perform 3 months of supervised aerobic exercise (5 days/week) and submit blood and fecal samples every 4 weeks until the completion of the study.