IsoFIT-BP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility study to assess the delivery of a novel isometric exercise intervention for people with Stage 1 hypertension in the NHS
IRAS ID
274676
Contact name
Farmer Christopher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN13472393
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
High blood pressure (BP) affects 8 million people in the UK and increases the risk of other serious conditions such as stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. The NHS spends more than £1 billion per year on BP medication and an extra £2 billion a year treating associated conditions.
Standard treatment of high BP normally includes recommending changes in lifestyle (e.g. smoking/drinking alcohol/diet/exercise) and/or medication. However, 50-70% of patients fail to control their BP within recommended ranges because many do not adhere to medication prescriptions or adopt the recommended lifestyle changes. This is often due to the fact that medications are associated with unpleasant side effects or recommended levels of aerobic exercise (at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity) and dietary changes are difficult and time consuming to achieve.
Evidence suggests that a particular type of exercise - isometric exercise - can lower BP more efficiently and with significantly less time and effort than aerobic exercise. Isometric exercise involves holding a fixed body position for a very short period. Studies have shown that 8 minutes of personalised isometric exercise, performed three times a week for 4 weeks can reduce BP in people with normal and slightly above normal BP. Our studies have shown that home-based isometric exercise, involving 4 squats with your back against a wall for a total of 8 minutes, 3 times a week, is effective in reducing BP in people with normal or slightly raised BP.
This feasibility study aims to confirm if isometric exercise can be prescribed to patients in the NHS, is beneficial and acceptable to patients and easily adhered to. We will also explore patient experiences, adherence and how easily the isometric exercise programme can be delivered by NHS health professionals alongside the cost and value for money of the intervention in the NHS.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0422
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion