Isometric Exercise Research Study
Due to funding from the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research), Canterbury Christ Church University are running a study looking at 'Randomised controlled effectiveness trial (RCT) of isometric exercise (IE) in adults with stage 1 and 2 hypertension'.
"Our hope is that this simple and accessible activity proves to be an effective lifestyle change that will be embraced by adults of all ages to help keep blood pressure under control and reduce the associated risks". – Representative, Canterbury Christ Church University.
How many people will be involved:
They are aiming to recruit 542 people with high blood pressure (diagnosed with Stage 1 or Stage 2 hypertension), from across England. Recruitment is set to start in early 2025 and Blood Pressure UK will let people know where to go if they want to get involved.
What exercises will it include and why:
Research suggests that a particular type of exercise—isometric exercise—can lower resting blood pressure. Isometric exercise involves holding a fixed body position for a brief period of time, like squatting back against a wall. This study involves performing three short isometric exercise sessions per week. Each session consists of four 2-minute wall squat bouts (at personalised height against the wall), separated by 2-minute rest in between.
Over what period of time:
People who volunteer for the study will be asked to follow their individualised isometric wall squat programme for 6 months, with an opportunity for some to extend to a year. The idea is that this simple exercise intervention easily incorporated into everyday life will help people to lower and better manage their blood pressure long term.
When will it start
The recruitment drive is scheduled to start in Feb 2025 and more details will follow.