Effect of Isometric Handgrip Exercises on Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Adults
Condition: Hypertension
MeSH terms: Hypertension
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study is designed to determine the effects of isometric handgrip exercises as compared
      to aerobic exercises in the hypertensive population, specifically in pre-hypertensives and
      those with hypertension stage I who are not taking pharmacological treatment. This exercise
      is designed as part of lifestyle modification for these patients and if proven effective, it
      can provide an easier to perform exercise regimen as an alternative to be incorporated in the
      exercise plan of patients who have difficulty in performing aerobic exercises because of
      musculoskeletal concerns.
    

Detailed description: 
      Hypertension (HTN) is a significant public health problem, with an increasing worldwide
      prevalence. The disease has an impact on reducing the quality of life (QOL) and can be
      life-threatening if not treated early. It is considered the major risk factor for
      cardiovascular and renal diseases. Complications of hypertension can lead to a variety of
      serious diseases like stroke, heart attack, and even cardiac and renal failure.
      Non-pharmacological management via lifestyle modification is focused in the initial stages of
      HTN through the reduction in alcohol consumption, cessation of tobacco smoking, maintenance
      of body weight, improvements in nutrition, and increases in physical activity. Physical
      activity improves health status and prevents the complications of hypertension like stroke
      and heart failure.

      Typically, aerobic exercises in the form of walking and jogging are advised as part of
      lifestyle modification. effectiveness of resistance training is also worked upon. A
      relatively newer approach in the form of Isometric Hand Grip exercises (IHG) is also under
      research because it can serve as a useful alternative for patients who cannot perform aerobic
      exercises because of musculoskeletal conditions. This study is targeted to assess the effects
      of IHG exercises, aerobic training, both aerobic and IHG training as well as sham IHG
      treatment for a comprehensive assessment of effects of IHG training.
    

Intervention name(s): IHG; Aerobic exercises; Sham IHG
Intervention type(s): Other; Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed for 4 x 2 min with the frequency of 3 days per week for a period of 6 weeks.; Aerobic exercise according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines that provide the specific criteria as 50 minutes exercises for 3 days a week for a period of 6 weeks.; Isometric handgrip exercises will be performed in 4 sets for 2 min at 5% MVC on both hands with the frequency of 3 days per week for a total 6-week period
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Blood pressure; Systolic blood pressure; Diastolic blood pressure; Isometric handgrip exercises; Maximal voluntary contraction