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Effect of Isometric Handgrip Exercise on Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07607795

PhaseNA

Enrollment30

SponsorUniversity of Poitiers

Age18 Years

SexFEMALE

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Conditions studied

Pregnancy, Pregnancy - Prenatal Testing, Hypertension (HTN)

About this study

Hypertension during pregnancy is a major public health concern, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications for both the mother and the fetus. Women with chronic hypertension are at higher risk of adverse outcomes, and elevated blood pressure during pregnancy has also been associated with long-term cardiovascular and cognitive impairments.Regular physical activity is recognized as an effective non-pharmacological strategy to reduce blood pressure. Among different exercise modalities, isometric exercise has shown promising effects in lowering blood pressure in the general population, with minimal cardiovascular strain. However, its effects and safety in pregnant women, particularly those with hypertension, remain poorly understood.In addition to cardiovascular alterations, hypertension during pregnancy may also impact cognitive function, potentially through changes in cerebral perfusion and vascular function. Despite these associations, the combined cardiovascular and cognitive responses to exercise in this population have not been fully explored.This study aims to investigate the effects of isometric handgrip exercise on cardiovascular and cognitive responses in pregnant women with and without chronic hypertension, in order to better understand its potential as a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention during pregnancy.

Interventions

Behavioral: Isometric Handgrip Exercise — Isometric handgrip exercise performed at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, consisting of four 2-minute contractions with one-minute rest intervals between efforts. The exercise is performed using a handgrip dynamometer.
Behavioral: Control Rest — Seated rest condition without exercise, used as a control comparison to the isometric handgrip intervention.

Primary outcomes

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (ambulatory blood pressure measurement) (After sessions (24 hours))

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women covered by the French National Health Insurance system * Pregnant women who do not object to participation in the study * Women belonging to one of the following two groups: * Women with chronic hypertension present before pregnancy (diagnosed within the past 5 years), defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg, without antihypertensive treatment * Normotensive pregnant women, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) \< 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) \< 90 mmHg before pregnancy Exclusion Criteria: * Current treatment for chronic or gestational hypertension * Known cardiovascular disease other than chronic hypertension * Age under 18 years * Persons deprived of liberty * Inability to speak or adequately understand French * Persons hospitalized without consent who are not subject to legal protection measures, and persons admitted to a health or social institution for purposes other than research * Persons currently excluded from participation in another research study * Persons under judicial protection or guardianship Type 1 or type 2 diabetes * Severe or extreme obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²) * Thyroid disease * Heavy smoking

Study locations

Faculty of Sport Science - MOVE Laboratory - UR 20296, Poitiers, 86000 France

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.