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Background <p>Hypertension (HTN) is a major non-communicable disease worldwide, including in Uganda. Studies have estimated HTN prevalence in Uganda between 19 and 33% among adults, with only 7–9% controlled within clinical target ranges. Isometric handgrip training (IHT), a form of resistance training that consists of performing multiple static forearm contractions separated by brief rest periods on a handgrip dynamometer or stress ball, is a promising simple, time-efficient, and low-cost intervention. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to determine the efficacy of 12&#xa0;weeks of IHT compared to standard of care on resting blood pressure (BP) levels in a population of hypertensive patients at the Soft Power Mukagwa Allan Stone Community Health Clinic (Kyabirwa, Uganda).</p> Methods <p>This study consists of a two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled, superiority trial. Patients having (1) a diagnosis of stage 1 HTN (BP &gt; 140–159/90–99&#xa0;mmHg), (2) not currently taking HTN medication, (3) not having been on HTN medication in the past 3&#xa0;months, and (4) aged ≥18&#xa0;years will be recruited. A total of 250 participants will be randomized with equal allocation to intervention and control arms. The control arm will receive standard care for HTN for a duration of 12&#xa0;weeks, as per clinic standard practice. In addition to standard care, the intervention arm will perform IHT sessions three times a week for a duration of 12&#xa0;weeks. IHT sessions will consist of four 2-min isometric handgrip contractions, using alternate hands with 1-min rest periods between contractions (total: 12&#xa0;min). The primary outcome is the mean resting systolic BP at 12&#xa0;weeks. Data collection will be conducted at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 months and will include measurements of BP levels and administration of questionnaires.</p> Discussion <p>This RCT will provide evidence on the efficacy of IHT, a promising and cost-efficient therapy for blood pressure control in a Ugandan context. We anticipate that our results will inform treatment strategies for hypertensive patients in Uganda and in other high-burden LMIC contexts.</p> Trial registration <p>Retrospectively registered. ISRCTN Registry; <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN46005092">ISRCTN46005092</a>; 31/10/2024.</p>

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Estimating the efficacy of isometric handgrip training to lower resting blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension in Eastern Uganda compared to standard of care: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月29日

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  • Kate Zinszer,
  • Henry Isabirye,
  • Charles Kalumuna,
  • Katia Charland,
  • Agaba Katureebe,
  • Margot Barbosa Da Torre,
  • Paula M. van Wyk,
  • Stella Nabirye,
  • Jessie Stone,
  • Phillip Levy,
  • Cheri McGowan

摘要

Background

Hypertension (HTN) is a major non-communicable disease worldwide, including in Uganda. Studies have estimated HTN prevalence in Uganda between 19 and 33% among adults, with only 7–9% controlled within clinical target ranges. Isometric handgrip training (IHT), a form of resistance training that consists of performing multiple static forearm contractions separated by brief rest periods on a handgrip dynamometer or stress ball, is a promising simple, time-efficient, and low-cost intervention. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to determine the efficacy of 12 weeks of IHT compared to standard of care on resting blood pressure (BP) levels in a population of hypertensive patients at the Soft Power Mukagwa Allan Stone Community Health Clinic (Kyabirwa, Uganda).

Methods

This study consists of a two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled, superiority trial. Patients having (1) a diagnosis of stage 1 HTN (BP > 140–159/90–99 mmHg), (2) not currently taking HTN medication, (3) not having been on HTN medication in the past 3 months, and (4) aged ≥18 years will be recruited. A total of 250 participants will be randomized with equal allocation to intervention and control arms. The control arm will receive standard care for HTN for a duration of 12 weeks, as per clinic standard practice. In addition to standard care, the intervention arm will perform IHT sessions three times a week for a duration of 12 weeks. IHT sessions will consist of four 2-min isometric handgrip contractions, using alternate hands with 1-min rest periods between contractions (total: 12 min). The primary outcome is the mean resting systolic BP at 12 weeks. Data collection will be conducted at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 months and will include measurements of BP levels and administration of questionnaires.

Discussion

This RCT will provide evidence on the efficacy of IHT, a promising and cost-efficient therapy for blood pressure control in a Ugandan context. We anticipate that our results will inform treatment strategies for hypertensive patients in Uganda and in other high-burden LMIC contexts.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered. ISRCTN Registry; ISRCTN46005092; 31/10/2024.