Tai Chi for High Blood Pressure and Cognitive Function
(ACTION Trial)
LS
Overseen byLinda S Pescatello, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: University of Connecticut
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial studies how Tai Chi, a gentle exercise, affects blood pressure and brain function in older adults with high blood pressure. Participants will do Tai Chi online for a few months. Researchers aim to see if lowering blood pressure through Tai Chi can improve thinking skills needed for daily tasks. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese internal martial art that has increased in popularity across the United States over the past 2 decades.
Research Team
LS
Linda S Pescatello, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Connecticut
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for postmenopausal women with high blood pressure who have finished high school or equivalent, are not regular exercisers, and have no recent Tai Chi experience. They must be non-smokers, drink less than two alcoholic drinks daily, and have internet access. Those with certain chronic diseases, a history of drug use or taking specific medications may be excluded.Inclusion Criteria
For women only, participants need to be postmenopausal evidenced by having experienced >6 consecutive months without menstruation
Participants will, at least, have graduated from high school or have obtained GED
You have high blood pressure, with readings of 130 or higher for the top number or 80 or higher for the bottom number, or you are taking medication for high blood pressure.
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Exclusion Criteria
Participants who have extensive experience with Tai Chi, defined as have practiced Tai Chi for ≥2 sessions/week for ≥3 months continuously, will be excluded
Participants taking any nutritional supplements other than a 1-a-day vitamin, cold medications, and herbal supplements would be asked to discontinue these medications before entering the study or be excluded
If the participants has been diagnosed with chronic diseases that require medical clearance to exercise that include cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disease, the PI and the study medical director will review the participants's medical history and determine if it is safe for him or her to participate in ACTION. If determined unsafe to exercise, the participant will be excluded
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Treatment Details
Interventions
- Tai Chi (Behavioural Intervention)
Trial OverviewThe ACTION study tests if practicing Tai Chi can lower blood pressure and improve cognitive function in older women with hypertension. It involves measuring the effects of a single session and a 12-week online program on heart health and brain function, particularly executive skills.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Tai Chi groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
During the 12-week online Tai Chi intervention, participants in the Tai Chi group will attend live online Tai Chi sessions led by a certified Tai Chi instructor for 3 sessions/week, 45 minutes/session for 12 weeks. The participants will also practice Tai Chi offline between sessions using instructional videos that will be shared with them at the end of each live online Tai Chi session.
Participants in the Tai Chi group will be instructed: 1) to maintain their regular level of physical activity outside of the live online Tai Chi exercise sessions and offline Tai Chi exercise, and diet during the study; and 2) to inform the researchers when there is a change(s) in a medical condition or medication prescribed.
Group II: controlActive Control1 Intervention
Participants in the control group will perform only their regular habitual daily activities throughout the 12 weeks of intervention period.
Participants in the control group will be instructed: 1) to maintain their regular level of physical activity and diet during the study; and 2) to inform the researchers when there is a change(s) in a medical condition or medication prescribed.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Connecticut
Lead Sponsor
Trials
194
Recruited
162,000+
Lisa Dunkle
University of Connecticut
Chief Medical Officer since 2018
MD from Johns Hopkins University
Erika Smith
University of Connecticut
Chief Executive Officer since 2020
MBA from the University of Connecticut