Stretching Versus Walking to Lower High Blood Pressure
Compares supervised stretching with brisk walking in adults with high blood pressure.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Stretching vs Walking for Lowering Blood Pressure
Key facts
- Where
- Saskatoon, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- University of SaskatchewanSaskatoon, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Saskatchewan
- Trial code
- NCT05252208
- Record updated
- 23 April 2025
- Original description
High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Traditionally, one of the ways to treat or prevent high blood pressure is to prescribe aerobic exercise training (i.e. brisk walking). Stretching may also be effective because it may cause changes in blood vessel stiffness and therefore reduce resistance to blood flow. The study will assess a group of individuals (i.e. 96) participating in a supervised stretching or walking program five days per week for six months to determine whether stretching is superior for reducing blood pressure. This research will contribute to recommendations about the most effective exercise programs for reducing blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease.Read full original descriptionShow less
Is Stretching Superior to Aerobic Training for Reducing Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Traditionally, one of the ways to treat or prevent high blood pressure is to prescribe aerobic exercise training (i.e. brisk walking). Stretching may also be effective because it may cause changes in blood vessel stiffness and therefore reduce resistance to blood flow. The study will assess a group of individuals (i.e. 96) participating in a supervised stretching or walking program five days per week for six months to determine whether stretching is superior for reducing blood pressure. This research will contribute to recommendations about the most effective exercise programs for reducing blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease.
Inclusion: Systolic blood pressure between 130 and 159 mmHg OR diastolic blood pressure between 85 and 99 mmHg; Able to walk unaided for 30 minutes; Can safely perform exercises as determined by the Get Active Questionnaire.
Exclusion: Not on blood pressure medication unless it has been a stable dose for 6 months and target blood pressure has not been achieved (i.e. below 140/90 mmHg); Smoking; Already performing 150 minutes or more moderate to vigorous physical activity per week; Already involved in a flexibility-training program (e.g. Yoga or Pilates); Pregnant or lactating or planning to become pregnant during the study.