Essential HypertensionISO-BPNCT07868822
Effects of Isometric Wall Squat Training on Blood Pressure in Adults With Hypertension
A study testing Isometric Wall Squat (IWS) Exercise and Standard Hypertension Care in people with Essential Hypertension, run by Korea University Guro Hospital at 1 site in South Korea.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether 12 weeks of isometric wall squat (IWS) exercise can improve blood pressure control and blood pressure variability in adults with essential hypertension. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Essential Hypertension
- What is being tested?
- Isometric Wall Squat (IWS) Exercise and Standard Hypertension Care
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSouth Korea
- Study dates
- 29 Sep 2026to 31 Dec 2029
- Phase
- Interventional
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 19 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adult men and women aged 19 years or older
- Patients diagnosed with essential hypertension and undergoing outpatient follow-up
- Subjects whose antihypertensive medication has been stably maintained for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment
- Clinic blood pressure of systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥80 mmHg.
- Participants who are able to perform wall squats and who have provided written informed consent after receiving an explanation of the study and reviewing the informed consent form
Who cannot join
- Participants with unstable angina or a diagnosis of myocardial infarction or stroke within the past 6 months.
- Participants diagnosed with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III-IV heart failure, severe valvular heart disease, or severe arrhythmia.
- Participants with severe knee, hip, or spinal disorders that prevent them from performing wall squats.
- Participants with severe renal or hepatic disease or severe cognitive impairment.
- Participants who are currently pregnant or have the potential to become pregnant.
- Participants aged 65 years or older who have a score of 3-5 (frail) on the K-FRAIL scale. However, such participants may be allowed to participate on an individual basis, following consultation with the Principal Investigator, if the treating physician clinically determines that the intervention can be performed safely.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
South Korea1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Korea University Guro Hospital
Seoul, Seoul, 08308
Seulgi Yang, 821020139329, grkmcgrca013@kumc.or.kr
About this study
Official title: Antihypertensive Effects of Isometric Wall Squat Training Monitored by a Ring-Type Continuous Blood Pressure Device (CART BP): A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether 12 weeks of isometric wall squat (IWS) exercise can improve blood pressure control and blood pressure variability in adults with essential hypertension. Blood pressure changes during daily activities and sleep will be assessed using a ring-type continuous blood pressure monitoring device (CART BP). The primary outcome is the change in 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure after 12 weeks compared with standard hypertension care.
Read the detailed description
This study is a single-center, randomized controlled trial evaluating the antihypertensive effects of isometric wall squat (IWS) exercise in adults with essential hypertension.
Approximately 100 participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the IWS exercise group or the control group. The IWS exercise group will perform home-based isometric wall squat exercise three times per week for 12 weeks. Each exercise session will consist of four sets of up to 2 minutes, with 2-minute rest periods between sets. Exercise intensity will be individualized based on the participant's baseline incremental IWS test.
The control group will continue standard hypertension care, including current antihypertensive medication and lifestyle education based on hypertension guidelines, without a structured isometric exercise program during the intervention period.
Blood pressure will be assessed using CART BP, a ring-type continuous blood pressure monitoring device, for 24 hours at baseline and at 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include 24-hour mean diastolic blood pressure, daytime and nighttime blood pressure, morning blood pressure, dipping/non-dipping pattern, blood pressure variability, office blood pressure, physical function, quality of life, exercise self-efficacy, and exercise adherence.
Participants will undergo baseline assessment, an intermediate assessment at 4-6 weeks, and a final assessment at 12 weeks. Participants who wish to continue follow-up may undergo an additional assessment approximately 6 months after completion of the intervention.
- Conditions
- Essential Hypertension
- Being tested
- Isometric Wall Squat (IWS) Exercise, Standard Hypertension Care
- Keywords
- Isometric Wall Squat, Isometric Exercise, Blood Pressure, Blood Pressure Variability, Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Medical subject headings
- Essential Hypertension
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Isometric Wall Squat (IWS) ExerciseBehavioural
Participants perform home-based isometric wall squat (IWS) exercise three times per week for 12 weeks. Each session consists of four sets of up to 2 minutes, with 2-minute rest periods between sets. The target knee angle is individualized based on the baseline incremental IWS test. Heart rate and rating of perceived exertion are monitored during exercise.
Standard Hypertension CareOther
Participants receive standard hypertension care, including their current antihypertensive medication and lifestyle education based on hypertension guidelines. No structured isometric exercise program is provided during the intervention period.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Isometric Wall Squat Training Group | Experimental | Participants perform a 12-week home-based isometric wall squat training program in addition to standard hypertension care. Receives: Behavioral: Isometric Wall Squat (IWS) Exercise |
| Standard Care Group | Active comparator | Participants receive standard hypertension care, including current antihypertensive medication and lifestyle education based on hypertension guidelines, without a structured isometric exercise program during the intervention period. Receives: Other: Standard Hypertension Care |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure
Change in 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure measured using a ring-type continuous blood pressure monitoring device (CART BP).
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in 24-hour mean diastolic blood pressure
Change in 24-hour mean diastolic blood pressure measured using a ring-type continuous blood pressure monitoring device (CART BP).
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in office systolic blood pressure
Change in office systolic blood pressure to evaluate ambulatory versus office blood pressure reduction.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in office diastolic blood pressure
Change in office diastolic blood pressure to evaluate ambulatory versus office blood pressure reduction.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (15)
Change in mean daytime systolic blood pressure
Change in mean daytime systolic blood pressure measured using CART BP.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in mean daytime diastolic blood pressure
Change in mean daytime diastolic blood pressure measured using CART BP.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in mean nighttime systolic blood pressure
Change in mean nighttime systolic blood pressure measured using CART BP.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in mean nighttime diastolic blood pressure
Change in mean nighttime diastolic blood pressure measured using CART BP.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in nocturnal systolic blood pressure dipping pattern
Assessment of nocturnal systolic blood pressure dipping pattern (dipping vs. non-dipping).
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in nocturnal diastolic blood pressure dipping pattern
Assessment of nocturnal diastolic blood pressure dipping pattern (dipping vs. non-dipping).
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in blood pressure variability evaluated by standard deviation
Assessment of blood pressure variability evaluated by standard deviation (SD).
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in blood pressure variability evaluated by coefficient of variation
Assessment of blood pressure variability evaluated by coefficient of variation (CV).
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in blood pressure variability evaluated by average real variability
Assessment of blood pressure variability evaluated by average real variability (ARV).
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in 30-second chair stand test performance
Change in the number of repetitions completed during the 30-second chair stand test.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in maximal handgrip strength
Change in maximal handgrip strength measured in kilograms (kg) using a hand dynamometer.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in target knee angle maintenance time during incremental isometric wall squat test
Change in target knee angle maintenance time (measured in seconds) during the incremental isometric wall squat (IWS) test.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in heart rate response during incremental isometric wall squat test
Change in heart rate response (measured in beats per minute) during the incremental isometric wall squat (IWS) test.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in physical activity level
Change in total physical activity measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ).
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in perceived stress score
Change in perceived stress level assessed using the Korean version of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (K-PSS-10). Total scores range from 0 to 40, where higher scores indicate higher levels of perceived stress.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Oct 2026
- Study start29 Sep 2026
- Primary completionDec 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (11)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Essential HypertensionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the isometric wall squat exercise group or the standard hypertension care control group.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Korea University Guro Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Na, Jin Oh, Korea University Guro Hospital
- Investigators
- Jin-Oh Na, MD, PhD, Principal investigator, Korea University Guro Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07868822
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2026GR0358
- Acronym
- ISO-BP
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Taylor KA, Wiles JD, Coleman DA, Leeson P, Sharma R, O'Driscoll JM. Neurohumoral and ambulatory haemodynamic adaptations following isometric exercise training in unmedicated hypertensive patients. J Hypertens. 2019 Apr;37(4):827-836. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001922.
PubMed 30817465Lea JWD, O'Driscoll JM, Wiles JD. The implementation of a home-based isometric wall squat intervention using ratings of perceived exertion to select and control exercise intensity: a pilot study in normotensive and pre-hypertensive adults. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2024 Jan;124(1):281-293. doi: 10.1007/s00421-023-05269-2. Epub 2023 Jul 17.
PubMed 37458822Cohen DD, Aroca-Martinez G, Carreno-Robayo J, Castaneda-Hernandez A, Herazo-Beltran Y, Camacho PA, Otero J, Martinez-Bello D, Lopez-Lopez JP, Lopez-Jaramillo P. Reductions in systolic blood pressure achieved by hypertensives with three isometric training sessions per week are maintained with a single session per week. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2023 Apr;25(4):380-387. doi: 10.1111/jch.14621. Epub 2023 Mar 25.
PubMed 36965163Lee H, Park S, Kwon H, Cho B, Park JH, Lee HY. Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Ring-Type Blood Pressure Measurement Device Compared With 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Device. Korean Circ J. 2024 Feb;54(2):93-104. doi: 10.4070/kcj.2023.0303. Epub 2023 Dec 26.
PubMed 38196118Wiles JD, Goldring N, Coleman D. Home-based isometric exercise training induced reductions resting blood pressure. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2017 Jan;117(1):83-93. doi: 10.1007/s00421-016-3501-0. Epub 2016 Nov 16.
PubMed 27853886Goldring N, Wiles JD, Coleman D. The effects of isometric wall squat exercise on heart rate and blood pressure in a normotensive population. J Sports Sci. 2014;32(2):129-36. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2013.809471. Epub 2013 Jul 24.
PubMed 23879248Wiles, J. D., Goldring, N., O'Driscoll, J. M., Taylor, K. A., & Coleman, D. A. (2018). An alternative approach to isometric exercise training prescription for cardiovascular health. Transl J Am Coll Sports Med, 3(2), 10-8.
Edwards JJ, Wiles J, O'Driscoll J. Mechanisms for blood pressure reduction following isometric exercise training: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hypertens. 2022 Nov 1;40(11):2299-2306. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003261. Epub 2022 Aug 8.
PubMed 35950976Gebreyohannes EA, Bhagavathula AS, Abebe TB, Tefera YG, Abegaz TM. Adverse effects and non-adherence to antihypertensive medications in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Clin Hypertens. 2019 Jan 15;25:1. doi: 10.1186/s40885-018-0104-6. eCollection 2019.
PubMed 30675379Mills KT, Bundy JD, Kelly TN, Reed JE, Kearney PM, Reynolds K, Chen J, He J. Global Disparities of Hypertension Prevalence and Control: A Systematic Analysis of Population-Based Studies From 90 Countries. Circulation. 2016 Aug 9;134(6):441-50. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.018912.
PubMed 27502908GBD 2019 Risk Factors Collaborators. Global burden of 87 risk factors in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet. 2020 Oct 17;396(10258):1223-1249. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30752-2.
PubMed 33069327