New study to test if wall squat exercise can lower blood pressure

Research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that a wall squat is one of the most effective exercise types for lowering blood pressure.

Following the success of a previous feasibility study, the team funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has launched a new trial (ISOFITTER) the largest of its kind, to explore whether static isometric exercise, such as a simple wall squat exercise, can be undertaken independently at home and can effectively reduce mild to moderately high blood pressure.

More research is needed on new ways to lower blood pressure as current recommendations for treatment of hypertension with exercise are based mainly on traditional aerobic or ‘cardio’ exercises such as cycling or running.

The new wall squat exercise programme involves completing three individually-tailored isometric exercise wall-squat sessions per week and the team are looking for people to take part, especially those from under-represented groups or communities.

The ISOFITTER trial is being led by a national team of researchers across Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) and the University of Kent in partnership with East Kent Clinical Trials Unit and a large number of NHS services across England and Wales. The study is also supported by leading charities and providers for blood pressure care including Blood Pressure UK, Kinetik Wellbeing, the Alan Squirrell Artificial Kidney Trust and Clearly Simpler. 

Dr Jim Wiles, exercise specialist lead for the study at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “Our hope is that this simple and accessible activity proves to be an effective lifestyle change that will be embraced by adults of all ages to help keep blood pressure under control and reduce associated health risks."

Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan, Director of Bridging Change, Chair of ISOFITTER Research Inclusion Panel, said: "We have been actively working on refining the design of the research, reviewing and commenting on resources, to embed inclusiveness within the project, with the public’s needs and perspectives at its core."

Professor Chris Farmer, Consultant Renal Physician Consultant at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, and clinical lead for the study at the University of Kent, said: “This is the biggest study of its kind to date and I’m really proud that this study will enable people to be involved in finding new way to empower those with mild to moderately high blood pressure to manage their condition through simple exercises at home without any direct involvement from a healthcare professional”.

Caroline Cowley, East Kent Clinical Trials Unit Manager, added: “It's been an exciting time for the East Kent Clinical Trials Unit and Clinical Research Facility as we collaborate on such a crucial project with a dynamic team of researchers. This experience truly highlights the power of teamwork in research and how effective collaboration can drive success.”

Phil Pyatt, Chief Executive of Blood Pressure UK, who is supporting the work, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the study which represents a pivotal step forward in clinical research exploring the impact of personalised isometric exercise on blood pressure control. By combining this innovative exercise with rigorous scientific methods, this trial offers new hope for improving cardiovascular health and providing tailored solutions for better blood pressure management."

James Grover, CEO of Kinetik Wellbeing added: “Our mission at Kinetik Wellbeing is to empower people to take control of their health from home, and this partnership through the clinical study aligns perfectly with that goal. By further demonstrating the effectiveness of isometric exercises in lowering high blood pressure, this research has the potential to offer a simple, time-efficient solution that could relieve strain on the NHS and help prevent strokes and heart attacks.”

To find out more and to get involved, visit the Isofitter website.