Feasibility of a Community-Integrated Isometric Handgrip Exercise Program and Its Preliminary Eff… (NCT07648498) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Feasibility of a Community-Integrated Isometric Handgrip Exercise Program and Its Preliminary Effects on Blood Pressure and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Canada30 participantsStarted 2026-07-28
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a short, supervised isometric handgrip exercise program is feasible and acceptable for older adults with elevated blood pressure or hypertension. It will also explore whether this type of exercise may improve blood pressure and cognitive function.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Is this handgrip exercise program practical and acceptable for older adults to participate in within a community exercise setting?
* Does participation in the program lead to changes in blood pressure and cognitive function?
Researchers will compare two handgrip devices to determine whether the method of delivering the exercise influences feasibility and outcomes.
Participants will:
* Be randomly assigned to use one of two handgrip devices.
* Complete supervised exercise sessions twice per week for 4 weeks.
* Perform brief handgrip contractions at a set intensity during each session.
* Complete blood pressure and cognitive assessments before and after the program.
Who can participate
Age range
65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 65 years of age or older
* Currently attending the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence at McMaster University
* English speaking
* Diagnosed with hypertension or elevated blood pressure
Exclusion Criteria:
* Current or prior participation in chronic isometric exercise
* Unstable angina.
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Uncontrolled heart failure and/or arrhythmias
* Recent myocardial infarction or electrocardiography changes
* Complete heart block
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Arthritis that may be aggravated by handgrip exercise
* Changes to the type and/or dose of blood pressure medications within 3 months of starting the study.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial is focused on testing whether the program is even feasible to run in a community setting — it's not yet measuring whether the handgrip exercise actually lowers blood pressure effectively — so is this the right stage of research for me to join, or would a more established treatment or a later-phase trial be a better fit for managing my blood pressure right now?
2Since the trial hasn't started recruiting yet, how long might I realistically be waiting before it opens, and what should I be doing in the meantime to manage my hypertension or elevated blood pressure?
3The main things being measured here are things like how many people show up, whether people enjoy it, and whether the program is safe to run — not whether it actually improves my blood pressure or cognitive function — so what would I personally get out of participating compared to just starting a standard exercise or medication plan?
4Isometric handgrip exercise involves sustained muscle contractions, and given my specific blood pressure levels and overall health, are there any safety concerns I should be aware of before discussing whether this type of exercise program might be appropriate for me?
5If I were to join this trial and it turns out not to work for me or I need to withdraw, would that affect my access to other treatments or trials for my blood pressure, and what kind of follow-up care would I have if I experienced any adverse events during the program?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale Score
Timeframe: Baseline and Week 4.
2
Qualitative Acceptability (Interviews) of the Intervention
Timeframe: Week 4.
3
Recruitment Rate
Timeframe: Recruitment period, anticipated up to 3 months.
4
Intervention Adherence (Session Attendance)
Timeframe: Week 4.
5
High Attendance Rate
Timeframe: Week 4
6
Retention Rate
Timeframe: Week 4.
7
Protocol Fidelity
Timeframe: Week 4.
8
Adverse Events (Safety)
Timeframe: Over the testing and intervention period, 4 weeks.