This trial will investigate the effect of exercise training programs to manage hypertension in patients with hypertension with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D). The main outcome will be the change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) after 3 months.
The details
Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a common and serious condition. It increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Many people with hypertension also have diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that affects blood glucose control. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood glucose. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) do not respond normally to insulin. Managing blood glucose and BP levels is very important.
Patients with T2D and hypertension have a higher risk of other heart and brain conditions. Exercise can help reduce BP. Exercise training programs could be used to manage BP and T2D.
This trial will investigate the effect of exercise training to manage hypertension. The main outcome will be the change in BP after 3 months.
Who are they looking for?
This trial will recruit 240 patients with hypertension. Participants must have a systolic BP (SBP) of 130-159 mmHg treated with 0 to 2 BP-lowering drugs. Patients who also have T2D must have an SBP of 130-159 mmHg, a fasting blood glucose of 5.6-16.7 mmol/L and take no more than 4 BP-lowering and blood glucose-lowering drugs. Patients must have no regular exercise habits. Patients must maintain their current medication during the study.
Patients cannot take part in the trial if they have any physical disability that prevents them from taking part in the exercise training programs. Patients who have active working jobs such as athletes, farmers also cannot take part in the trial. Patients with uncontrolled or complicated T2D, those with recent heart, lung or blood vessel disease cannot take part. A Body mass index (BMI; a measurement of weight in relation to height) of 35 kg/m2 or above is excluded.
How will it work
Patients will be assigned to one of 3 groups. One group will undergo a walking exercise training program. This consists of walking 30-60 minutes a day for 3-5 days a week. Another group will undergo a Chinese square dancing exercise training program. This consists of square dancing for 30-60 minutes a day for 3-5 days a week. The third group is a control group. The control group will not undergo any exercise training. All three groups will also receive brochures containing basic knowledge for managing hypertension and diabetes. Heart rate and BP will be measured with sports bracelets.
The main outcomes will be a change in SBP and in blood glucose levels at 3 months. Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, balance and body composition will also be evaluated.
