Stretching vs Walking for Lowering Blood Pressure

What this study is about

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Traditionally, one of the ways to treat or prevent high blood pressure is to prescribe aerobic exercise training (i.e. brisk walking). Stretching may also be effective because it may cause changes in blood vessel stiffness and therefore reduce resistance to blood flow. The study will assess a group of individuals (i.e. 96) participating in a supervised stretching or walking program five days per week for six months to determine whether stretching is superior for reducing blood pressure. This research will contribute to recommendations about the most effective exercise programs for reducing blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Systolic blood pressure between 130 and 159 mmHg OR diastolic blood pressure between 85 and 99 mmHg
• Able to walk unaided for 30 minutes
• Can safely perform exercises as determined by the Get Active Questionnaire

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Not on blood pressure medication unless it has been a stable dose for 6 months and target blood pressure has not been achieved (i.e. below 140/90 mmHg)
• Smoking
• Already performing 150 minutes or more moderate to vigorous physical activity per week
• Already involved in a flexibility-training program (e.g. Yoga or Pilates)
• Pregnant or lactating or planning to become pregnant during the study

Where this trial is running

• University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Who to contact

Philip Chilibeck, Ph.D. · 306-966-1072 · phil.chilibeck@usask.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT05252208.