HYPERtension Reduction Through WALKing Stairs Versus Brisk Walking

Sponsor
Karolinska Institutet
Study ID
NCT06952348
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Hypertension
  • Metabolic Disease
  • Obesity and Overweight

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
35 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Stair and brisk walking combined — BEHAVIORAL
    See arms.
  • Brisk walking — BEHAVIORAL
    See arms.
  • Standard care — BEHAVIORAL
    See arms.

Study Details

This clinical trial investigates whether incorporating stair walking into daily routines improves physical health in adults at risk of lifestyle-related conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Participants will be randomized into three groups: (1) stair walking combined with brisk walking, (2) brisk walking alone, and (3) a control group receiving standard lifestyle advice without specific exercise instructions, stratified by age (\<65 y/o, v \>=65) and site. The primary objective is to assess whether the combination of stair and brisk walking leads to greater reductions in systolic blood pressure compared to brisk walking alone or standard care. Secondary outcomes include changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants in the stair walking group will be instructed to climb ≥250 steps per day (\~5.5 minutes/day or \~37.5 minutes/week), or complete an equivalent elevation via inclined slopes, along with ≥75 minutes of brisk walking per week. Those in the brisk walking group will walk ≥150 minutes per week. The control group will receive general lifestyle advice but no tailored physical activity goals or feedback. Participants in both active groups will aim to double their baseline activity levels. Physical activity will be continuously monitored using wearable devices. The active groups will receive personalized feedback and motivational support throughout the 6-month intervention period. If effective, this study may offer a simple, scalable, and low-cost intervention model for use in clinical and public health settings, emphasizing personalized goals, remote monitoring, and behavioral support.

Key Dates

First listed
Apr 30, 2025
Start date
Nov 27, 2025
Status verified
Dec 2025
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2028
Completion
May 31, 2029

Study Design

Enrollment
450 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Stair and brisk walking combined
    Participants will double their baseline physical activity levels by combining stair walking and brisk walking. The stair walking goal is ≥250 steps per day (equivalent to \~37.5-45 meters elevation or 15 floor levels), totaling \~37.5 minutes per week. In addition, they will complete ≥75 minutes of brisk walking per week.
  • Experimental: Brisk walking
    Participants will double their baseline physical activity levels by engaging in brisk walking only, with a minimum target of \>150 minutes per week.
  • Active Comparator: Standard care
    Participants will receive general lifestyle advice aligned with current physical activity guidelines but will not be provided with specific exercise instructions, personalized activity targets, or feedback. They will wear the same activity monitor as the intervention groups, but without access to feedback or goal-setting features.

Primary Outcome Measure

Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) at 6 months [ Time Frame: 6 months ]

Central Contacts

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