The Hypotensive Effects of Home-Based Isometric Handgrip Training in Older Adults With Pre-Hypertension and Hypertension - The HoldAge Trial

Summary

New data suggests that isometric handgrip training (IHT) might become a novel tool in the treatment of hypertension. The main purpose of this research project is to evaluate the effects of home-based IHT on ambulatory blood pressure in older adults with pre-hypertension and hypertension. Eighty-four older adults with pre-hypertension and hypertension will be randomly distributed to one of three groups: home-based IHT, home-based aerobic exercise training (AET), or attention-control group (CON). Each intervention will have a total duration of 8 weeks. At baseline and after completing the intervention, patients will undergo the following evaluations: 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, endothelial function, damage and repair, arterial stiffness, inflammatory biomarkers, autonomic function, physical activity levels, dietary intake and quality of life. A qualitative analysis will also be applied to enhance the understanding of the efficacy of this intervention from the patient's perspective.

Conditions

• Hypertension
• Pre-Hypertension

Interventions

OTHER

Isometric Handgrip Training

The 8-week exercise program will include three sessions of isometric handgrip training per week

OTHER

Aerobic Exercise Training

The 8-week exercise program will include three sessions of aerobic exercise per week

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Aveiro University

  collaborator OTHER

• Hospital Infante D. Pedro, Centro Hospitalar Do Baixo Vouga

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Hospital Pedro Hispano, ULS Matosinhos

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Porto University

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Connecticut

  collaborator OTHER

• Unidade de Saúde Familiar de Santa Joana

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development

  collaborator OTHER

• Unidade de Saúde Familiar Serzedelo

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University Institute of Maia

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Alberto J Alves, PhD · CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, Maia, Portugal

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-04-12

Primary Completion

2023-01-30

Completion

2023-01-30

Countries

• United States
• Portugal

Study Locations