Feasibility of a Community-Integrated Isometric Handgrip Exercise Program and Its Preliminary Effects on Blood Pressure and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Sponsor
McMaster University
Study ID
NCT07648498
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

Eligibility Criteria

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

Interventions

  • Zona Plus 4-Week Isometric Handgrip Exercise Intervention — OTHER
    This intervention consists of a supervised, low-dose isometric handgrip exercise program delivered over 4 weeks using the Zona Plus handgrip dynamometer. Participants will complete two sessions per week, each consisting of 4x2-minute isometric handgrip contractions performed at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, with 1-minute rest periods between contractions. Contractions will be performed using alternating hands. All sessions will be conducted in person and supervised by trained research staff at the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence, and the intervention will completed before participants' existing exercise routines. Ratings of perceived exertion will be recorded following each contraction.
  • Squegg 4-Week Isometric Handgrip Exercise Intervention — OTHER
    This intervention consists of a supervised, low-dose isometric handgrip exercise program delivered over 4 weeks using the Squegg handgrip device. Participants will complete two sessions per week, each consisting of 4x2-minute isometric handgrip contractions performed at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, with 1-minute rest periods between contractions. Contractions will be performed using alternating hands. All sessions will be conducted in person and supervised by trained research staff at the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence, and the intervention will completed before participants' existing exercise routines. Ratings of perceived exertion will be recorded following each contraction.

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

First listed
Jun 15, 2026
Start date
Jul 28, 2026
Status verified
Jun 2026
Primary completion
Sep 15, 2026
Completion
Sep 15, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
30 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER

Arms

  • Active Comparator: Squegg Handgrip Device
    Participants in this arm will complete a supervised, 4-week isometric handgrip exercise intervention using the Squegg smartphone-compatible handgrip device.
  • Active Comparator: Zona Plus Handgrip Device
    Participants in this arm will complete a supervised, 4-week isometric handgrip exercise intervention using the Zona Plus handgrip dynamometer.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale Score [ Time Frame: Baseline and Week 4. ]

Central Contacts

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