RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05252208

Stretching vs Walking for Lowering Blood Pressure

Is Stretching Superior to Aerobic Training for Reducing Blood Pressure?

Sponsor

University of Saskatchewan

Enrollment

96 participants

Start Date

Mar 28, 2022

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Hypertension

Summary

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is comparing two simple exercise programs — stretching and walking — to see which one is more effective at lowering blood pressure. Both activities are low-cost and easy to do at home, and this research aims to give people with mildly elevated blood pressure a practical option beyond medication. **You may be eligible if...** - You have a systolic blood pressure between 130-159 mmHg or diastolic between 85-99 mmHg (mildly to moderately elevated) - You are able to walk on your own for 30 minutes - You can safely exercise based on a standard health questionnaire **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are on blood pressure medication (unless it has been a stable dose for 6 months and your blood pressure is still above target) - You smoke - You already exercise at moderate to vigorous intensity for 150 minutes or more per week - You already do a flexibility program like yoga or Pilates - You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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