Handgrip exercise for older adults with high blood pressure, tested in a community setting
Tests a 4-week handgrip exercise program in older adults with high blood pressure.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Feasibility of a Community-Integrated Isometric Handgrip Exercise Program and Its Preliminary Effects on Blood Pressure and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Key facts
- Where
- Hamilton, CanadaSee the 2 sites
Where in Canada
- NeuroFit Lab, Ivor Wynne Centre, McMaster UniversityHamilton, CanadaTaking people
- Physical Activity Centre of Excellence, Ivor Wynne Centre, McMaster UniversityHamilton, 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
- McMaster University
- Trial code
- NCT07648498
- Record updated
- 7 October 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Feasibility of a Community-Integrated Isometric Handgrip Exercise Program and Its Preliminary Effects on Blood Pressure and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
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.
Inclusion: 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: Current or prior participation in chronic isometric exercise; Changes to the type and/or dose of blood pressure medications within 3 months of starting the study; 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.