Isometric Handgrip Training Frequency and Blood Pressure in People With Hypertension

Exclusion Criteria

• •Aged \<18 or \>65 years
• •Resting blood pressure ≥180/110 mmHg or resting heart rate \>100 bpm during baseline as-sessment
• •Manifest cardiovascular disease including cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, or advanced retinopathy (fundus hypertonicus grades III-IV) based on a self-report health history questionnaire.
• •Type 1 diabetes
• •History of other chronic disease including malignancy, neurological conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis) or respiratory conditions (e.g. COPD).
• •Contraindications to exercise based on answers to the physical activity readiness questionnaire.
• •Physical limitations preventing handgrip exercise (e.g. arthritis or other musculoskeletal disorder)
• •Scoring "high" on the international physical activity questionnaire
• •Taking more than 2 anti-hypertensive drugs or a change in treatment strategy in the previous 4 months.
• •Currently taking nitrate medication (as it is commonly prescribed for angina) or on hormone replacement therapy
• •Significant self-reported change in lifestyle patterns in the prior 4 months (e.g. currently on a planned diet for weight loss).