Exploring IHG Training in CR
This study investigates if a special hand squeeze exercise, called Isometric Hand Grip (IHG) training, can help lower blood pressure in people who are already doing a heart recovery programme. We know IHG can lower blood pressure on its own. Participants will be randomly put into two groups: one group will do IHG training at home three times a week for 12 weeks in addition to their regular heart recovery, and the other group will only do their regular heart recovery. We'll also ask participants about their experiences and feelings to understand how IHG training affects them. The goal is to see if adding IHG provides extra benefits for blood pressure.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You might have heard of cardiac rehabilitation, which is a programme to help people recover after heart problems. This study is looking at whether adding a simple exercise called Isometric Hand Grip (IHG) training can further help lower blood pressure for people taking part in these programmes.
IHG training involves squeezing a device (like an inflatable ball) steadily. It's a type of exercise that has been shown to help reduce blood pressure in people, whether they already have high blood pressure or not. This research wants to find out if this could be an extra benefit for people already working to improve their heart health through cardiac rehabilitation.
To do this, the study will compare two groups of people. One group will do the IHG training at home, three times a week for 12 weeks, alongside their regular cardiac rehabilitation. The other group will continue with just their regular cardiac rehabilitation. By comparing these groups, the researchers hope to understand if IHG training offers additional benefits in lowering blood pressure and if it's something people find easy and helpful to do.
Key takeaways
- The study explores if hand squeeze exercises can boost heart rehabilitation benefits.
- It aims to see if blood pressure can be lowered more effectively.
- Participants will either add hand squeeze exercises or just do their usual programme.
- The study also looks at how people feel about doing the extra exercises.
- Participation will last for 12 weeks.
- You'll need a home blood pressure monitor if you join.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old and able to understand and sign consent forms. You also need to be able to speak, read, and write in English and have been given the 'all clear' by your cardiac rehabilitation team to do exercise.
This study is specifically for people who have heart problems related to coronary artery disease, which might include those who have had a heart attack or procedures like stents or bypass surgery. You should also be comfortable using a phone and email for communication and not have any physical problems that would stop you from squeezing a handgrip device.
It's important that you have a way to check your blood pressure at home. You won't be able to join if you have other types of severe heart conditions or have had procedures like a pacemaker or valve replacement, as this study focuses specifically on coronary artery disease.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Can you read, write, and speak English well?
- Has your heart rehabilitation team cleared you for exercise?
- Do you have a history of only coronary artery disease (e.g., heart attack, stents, bypass)?
- Are you able to use a phone and email?
- Do you have a way to check your blood pressure at home?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first be checked to make sure you're suitable for the study. Once confirmed, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups, like flipping a coin – you won't get to choose which group you're in.
One group will do special hand squeeze exercises (IHG training) at home three days a week for 12 weeks, using an inflatable ball. You'll be shown how to do this correctly. This will be in addition to your regular heart recovery programme. The other group will just continue with their regular heart recovery programme. Both groups will be asked to measure and report their resting blood pressure at home. You will also be asked to take part in interviews and complete surveys about your experiences and feelings during the study. The total duration of the study commitment for participants will be 12 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- St Joseph's Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary PreventionVerified postcodeLondon, Canada
- Hotel Dieu Grace Cardiac RehabilitationVerified postcodeWindsor, Canada
Common questions
What is 'cardiac rehabilitation'?
It's a programme of exercise and education designed to help people recover and improve their heart health after heart-related events or surgery.
What is 'Isometric Hand Grip training' (IHG)?
It's a simple exercise where you squeeze an object, like a ball, steadily without moving your hand. It's known to help lower blood pressure.
Will I have to pay for anything if I join?
No, you won't have to pay to participate in the study. All study-related activities will be provided.
What does being 'randomly assigned' mean?
It means you'll be put into one of the two study groups by chance, like drawing names from a hat. Neither you nor the researchers choose your group.
How often will I need to check my blood pressure?
You'll be asked to measure and report your resting blood pressure at home regularly, though specific frequency will be explained if you join.
How to find out more
Cheri McGowan, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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