Actively Recruiting
Handgrip Training and Brain Blood Flow Regulation in Physically Inactive Adults Aged 18 to 35
Led by Florida State University · Updated on 2025-11-20
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of isometric handgrip training on brain blood vessel function in adults who are physically inactive. This study aims to see if this type of training, which is known to help lower blood pressure and improve vascular health, also improves important markers of blood flow regulation in the brain. The research focuses on adults aged 18 to 35 who have not been meeting recommended exercise levels. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will perform moderate-intensity handgrip training using a handheld device three times a week for eight weeks. The other group will perform very low-intensity handgrip training with the same schedule and device, serving as a comparison. This design allows researchers to assess the impact of different training intensities on brain blood flow regulation. During the study, participants will undergo tests such as transcranial Doppler ultrasound to measure blood velocity in the middle cerebral artery and evaluate how it responds to changes in carbon dioxide levels. Researchers will also assess total brain blood flow, artery stiffness, and blood flow patterns. The primary outcome is the change in blood velocity response to increased carbon dioxide, measured up to nine weeks. The study includes monitoring blood pressure and cerebral autoregulation changes. Participants will be involved throughout the eight-week training and assessment period, contributing data to improve understanding of exercise effects on brain vascular health.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Handgrip Training and Brain Blood Flow Regulation
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 18 to 35 years
- Body mass index 30 kg/m2 or less (without obesity)
- Physically inactive, not meeting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise and fewer than 2 days per week of resistance training in the last 6 months
- Have a smartphone and willing to download mobile applications used in the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Having an overt chronic condition such as cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease
- Being pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding/lactating
- Regular use of nicotine products in the past 6 months
- Recent head injury, trauma, or concussion
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants perform handgrip training using a handheld device three days per week for 8 weeks at either moderate or very low intensity depending on their group assignment.
Three training sessions per week
Duration - Up to 1 week after training
Participants are monitored for changes in cerebrovascular blood flow regulation and other cardiovascular health measures after completing the handgrip training.
1 visit (in-person) for post-training assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida, United States, 32306
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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