IsoWalk Study

STUDY BASICS

Do you have elevated blood pressure, or have you been diagnosed by your doctor with hypertension? Do you also find it difficult to adhere to current exercise guidelines as recommended by your doctor? You may be eligible for a research study to examine if it is reasonable and doable for older adults to complete a unique exercise intervention to lower 24-hour blood pressure.

STUDY PURPOSE

This study is exploring if it is reasonable and achievable for older adults to engage in a unique exercise intervention combining isometric handgrip exercise and walking to lower 24-hour blood pressure. Importantly, all participants who volunteer will be assigned to the exercise intervention group.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• You are 65 years or older
• You have elevated blood pressure or have been diagnosed with stage 1 hypertension
• Are NOT currently active on a regular basis (less than 2 days/week of planned activity)

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

The research study lasts about 8 weeks and includes:

• Questionnaires and surveys for you to complete during in-person visits;
• An initial in-person visit to our research center to learn more about the study and complete additional questionnaires about general health and your daily feelings of fatigue, resting blood pressure in both arms, height and weight, a 24-hour blood pressure assessment, and to provide you with study materials and devices used in the study;
• Participation in 8-weeks of a combined exercise intervention which includes tracking your daily steps with a pedometer (6000-8000/day) + 3-days per week of isometric handgrip exercise. We will also ask you to participate in once per week one-on-one Zoom sessions with investigators during the 8-week program.
  • *During the 8-week program: a halfway point (week 4) in-person follow up with investigators to complete resting and 24-hour blood pressure assessments and questionnaires to evaluate your progress.
• Two final visits to the research lab to complete resting blood pressure in both arms, a final 24-hour blood pressure measure and post-intervention questionnaires and surveys after the 8 weeks.