Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Two Isometric Exercises in Reducing Blood Pressure in People With Resistant Hypertension

What this Trial Is About

Resistant hypertension is a severe form of high blood pressure that remains above the target level despite using multiple medications, affecting about 10-20% of people with hypertension worldwide. Researchers are studying the safety and effectiveness of two types of isometric exercises—handgrip and wall squat—to see if they can help lower blood pressure in people with resistant hypertension. The study aims to determine which exercise is safer and more effective by comparing their effects to a control session. Participants will first complete an acclimatization session to learn the procedures and measure their exercise intensity. Then, each person will take part in three sessions in random order: a control session with no exercise, an isometric handgrip session involving four 2-minute repetitions at 30% of maximal grip strength, and an isometric wall squat session with four 2-minute repetitions at 95% of peak heart rate. Rest periods are included between repetitions, and participants will be encouraged to breathe normally and avoid holding their breath. During the study, blood pressure will be monitored before, during, and after each session, including ambulatory blood pressure measured every 20 minutes up to 12 hours post-session. Researchers will also track any adverse events occurring during or up to 48 hours after exercise. The study is randomized with single masking and will last from July to September 2024. Participants will be adults aged 40 to 75 with resistant hypertension and stable medication use.

Evaluation of Two Isometric Exercises in the Reduction of the Blood Pressure in People With Resistant Hypertension