HypertensionMOVE-BPNCT07915752
A MOST Framework Trial Evaluating the MOst effectiVe Exercise Types for Blood Pressure Control
A study testing Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Aerobic training (AT) and Dynamic resistance training (DRT) in people with Hypertension, run by Northwestern University at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Exercise is known to prevent nearly one in three cases of hypertension and slow its progression in young adults, but we do not know which specific exercise types are most effective. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 44 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Hypertension
- What is being tested?
- Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Aerobic training (AT) and Dynamic resistance training (DRT)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 264 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 May 2027to Jan 2031
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 18 to 44 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-44 years Northwestern University patient with untreated Stage I hypertension (blood pressure 130-139/80-89 mmHg) documented on at least 2 outpatient encounters in the prior year No current antihypertensive medication use Estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease risk below 7.5% by the PREVENT risk calculator Body mass index 18.5-39.9 kg/m² Average home blood pressure of 130-139/80-89 mmHg during a 7-day home monitoring period Fewer than 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity measured by accelerometer Exercise readiness confirmed by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+), with medical clearance if indicated English fluency Reliable internet access on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, with videoconference capability (e.g., Zoom)
Who cannot join
- Use of a GLP-1 receptor agonist within the past year Weight change of more than 15 lbs in the prior 3 months Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within 6 months Active cancer and/or currently receiving cancer treatment History of type 1 or type 2 diabetes History of chronic kidney disease History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease History of cardiovascular disease or coronary heart disease Absolute contraindication to exercise (e.g., severe neurological, psychological, or orthopedic condition)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Mandy Pershing, MS, 312-503-3237, mandy.pershing@northwestern.edu
Deepika Laddu, PhD
About this study
Exercise is known to prevent nearly one in three cases of hypertension and slow its progression in young adults, but we do not know which specific exercise types are most effective. The main objective of this study is to determine which exercise prescription (ExRx) intervention component(s) alone or in combination most effectively lower systolic BP in young adults with stage I hypertension, identify the vascular mechanisms underlying these changes, and guide the development of optimized exercise-based prescription packages for effective hypertension control in this population.
Read the detailed description
Nearly one-third of hypertension cases are preventable through exercise alone. Yet among the more than 30 million U.S young adults with stage I hypertension, fewer than 10% achieve BP control, and up to half progress to stage II within five years. While moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic training (AT) is first-line therapy, up to 40% of individuals, especially those with stage I hypertension, show little or no benefit. Current guidelines continue to emphasize generic AT prescriptions, overlooking physiological variability that may influence exercise effectiveness. Resistance training (RT), including dynamic (DRT) and isometric (IRT) types, is also guideline recommended for managing hypertension, and can lower systolic BP as much as-or even more than AT. Notably, DRT and IRT engage different physiological pathways-systemic vs. localized vascular adaptations-suggesting their BP effects may differ. However, most exercise trials for hypertension test exercise types (components) in isolation or as bundles (e.g., AT + RT) without systematically evaluating which components drive BP reduction. This leaves critical gaps in understanding which exercise components or combinations thereof are most effective, and by what mechanisms. A component-specific approach is necessary to move toward a more tailored, effective exercise treatment strategy for stage I hypertension. This proposed study (MOVE-BP) uses a Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework with a 2^3 factorial experiment to efficiently test individual and combined exercise components (AT, DRT, and IRT) in unmedicated young adults with Stage I hypertension. The goal is to identify which components meaningfully contribute to systolic BP reduction and guide the development of optimized exercise-based prescription packages for effective hypertension control in this population. This study is designed as Bi-Phasic Project: the first year will be dedicated to finalizing protocols, establishing trial infrastructure, and enroll the first participant(s) to facilitate transition to the full-scale trial. In subsequent years (year 2-5), a total of 264 adults aged 18-44 years eligible for lifestyle therapy only will be enrolled and will receive a core intervention (Fitbit + standard BP health education) and be randomized into one of eight remotely delivered conditions, with each testing AT, DRT, and IRT alone or across all possible combinations. Aim 1 will identify which exercise components or combinations most effectively reduce systolic BP at 6 months, with follow-up at 12 months to evaluate maintenance of BP effects and exercise adherence. Aim 2 will examine whether improvement in arterial stiffness, endothelial function, and carotid artery distensibility mediate BP change, and whether individual-characteristics (age, sex, race, body weight, diet quality) moderate exercise component effects. This study will generate critical evidence to inform the development of optimized, scalable exercise treatment packages for hypertension control and long-term cardiovascular disease prevention in young adults.
- Conditions
- Hypertension
- Being tested
- Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Aerobic training (AT), Dynamic resistance training (DRT), Isometric resistance training (IRT)
- Keywords
- hypertension, high blood pressure, young adult, exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Hypertension, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education)Behavioural
All participants receive a wrist-worn Fitbit activity tracker (Charge 3 or similar) to wear daily during waking hours, synced to a secure coaching portal that study staff use to monitor wear adherence. Participants also receive standard blood pressure health education materials (videos and flyers adapted from NHLBI and the American Heart Association) by email or mail twice per month for 6 months. Topics include hypertension and its health risks, BP self-monitoring, healthy eating, and active lifestyle strategies. Materials are non-interactive and standardized across all conditions.
Arms: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Aerobic training (AT)Behavioural
6-month remotely delivered endurance-based exercise program (e.g., walking, stair climbing) performed 4 sessions per week at moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Intensity begins at 40-59% heart rate reserve and progresses to 60-89% heart rate reserve, guided by 6-minute walk tests at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. One session per week is supervised by a trainer via videoconference; the remaining sessions are completed independently using manualized videos. Intensity is monitored by Fitbit heart rate and rating of perceived exertion.
Arms: 1, 2, 3, 4
Dynamic resistance training (DRT)Behavioural
6-month remotely delivered resistance exercise program performed 3 sessions per week, consisting of 6 multi-joint, single-joint, and trunk exercises (e.g., squat, chest press, lunges, shoulder press), 3 sets each. Intensity begins at 50% of 1-repetition maximum and progresses to 70-80% of 1-repetition maximum by 6 months using overload principles, with 1-repetition maximum retested at 3 and 6 months. Participants receive an adjustable dumbbell set. One session per week is supervised by a trainer via videoconference; the remaining sessions are completed independently using manualized videos. Sets, repetitions, and load are logged in the coaching portal.
Arms: 1, 2, 5, 6
Isometric resistance training (IRT)Behavioural
6-month remotely delivered isometric exercise program performed 3 sessions per week, consisting of a 3-exercise circuit (e.g., wall sit, plank, glute bridge) completed for 4 sets with 1-2 minutes of rest between sets. Holds begin at 30 seconds and increase by 15 seconds per week to a maximum of 2 minutes. Intensity is 30% of maximum voluntary contraction for upper-body exercises and 95% of peak heart rate for lower-body exercises. One session per week is supervised by a trainer via videoconference; the remaining sessions are completed independently using manualized videos.
Arms: 1, 3, 5, 7
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Core + AT + DRT + IRT | Experimental | Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus all three exercise components for 6 months: aerobic training (AT), dynamic resistance training (DRT), and isometric resistance training (IRT). AT: 4 sessions/week of moderate-to-vigorous endurance exercise, progressing from 40-59% to 60-89% heart rate reserve. DRT: 3 sessions/week of 6 exercises, 3 sets each, progressing from 50% to 70-80% of 1-repetition maximum. IRT: 3 sessions/week of a 3-exercise circuit, 4 sets of holds progressing to 2 minutes, at 30% maximum voluntary contraction (upper body) and 95% peak heart rate (lower body). Each component includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. Receives: Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education); Behavioral: Aerobic training (AT); Behavioral: Dynamic resistance training (DRT); Behavioral: Isometric resistance training (IRT) |
| Core + AT + DRT | Experimental | Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus aerobic training (AT) and dynamic resistance training (DRT) for 6 months. AT: 4 sessions/week of moderate-to-vigorous endurance exercise, progressing from 40-59% to 60-89% heart rate reserve. DRT: 3 sessions/week of 6 exercises, 3 sets each, progressing from 50% to 70-80% of 1-repetition maximum. Each component includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. Receives: Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education); Behavioral: Aerobic training (AT); Behavioral: Dynamic resistance training (DRT) |
| Core + AT + IRT | Experimental | Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus aerobic training (AT) and isometric resistance training (IRT) for 6 months. AT: 4 sessions/week of moderate-to-vigorous endurance exercise, progressing from 40-59% to 60-89% heart rate reserve. IRT: 3 sessions/week of a 3-exercise circuit, 4 sets of holds progressing to 2 minutes, at 30% maximum voluntary contraction (upper body) and 95% peak heart rate (lower body). Each component includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. Receives: Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education); Behavioral: Aerobic training (AT); Behavioral: Isometric resistance training (IRT) |
| Core + AT | Experimental | Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus aerobic training (AT) for 6 months. AT: 4 sessions/week of moderate-to-vigorous endurance exercise (e.g., walking, stair climbing), progressing from 40-59% to 60-89% heart rate reserve. Includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. Receives: Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education); Behavioral: Aerobic training (AT) |
| Core + DRT + IRT | Experimental | Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus dynamic resistance training (DRT) and isometric resistance training (IRT) for 6 months. DRT: 3 sessions/week of 6 exercises, 3 sets each, progressing from 50% to 70-80% of 1-repetition maximum. IRT: 3 sessions/week of a 3-exercise circuit, 4 sets of holds progressing to 2 minutes, at 30% maximum voluntary contraction (upper body) and 95% peak heart rate (lower body). Each component includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. Receives: Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education); Behavioral: Dynamic resistance training (DRT); Behavioral: Isometric resistance training (IRT) |
| Core + DRT | Experimental | Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus dynamic resistance training (DRT) for 6 months. DRT: 3 sessions/week of 6 exercises (e.g., squat, chest press, lunges, shoulder press), 3 sets each, progressing from 50% to 70-80% of 1-repetition maximum. Includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. Receives: Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education); Behavioral: Dynamic resistance training (DRT) |
| Core + IRT | Experimental | Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus isometric resistance training (IRT) for 6 months. IRT: 3 sessions/week of a 3-exercise circuit (e.g., wall sit, plank, glute bridge), 4 sets of holds progressing to 2 minutes, at 30% maximum voluntary contraction (upper body) and 95% peak heart rate (lower body). Includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. Receives: Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education); Behavioral: Isometric resistance training (IRT) |
| Core only | Experimental | Participants receive the core intervention only for 6 months: a wrist-worn Fitbit activity tracker for daily wear and standard blood pressure health education materials (videos and flyers adapted from NHLBI and the American Heart Association) delivered twice per month. No exercise components are prescribed. Receives: Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in resting systolic blood pressure
Resting brachial systolic blood pressure (mmHg) measured in person with a calibrated automated oscillometric device (SphygmoCor XCEL) after 10 minutes of rest. Three readings are taken 1 minute apart and averaged. Change from baseline will be compared between participants with each exercise component (AT, DRT, IRT) "on" versus "off."
Measured: Baseline to 6 months
Secondary outcomes (9)
Change in resting systolic blood pressure at 3 and 12 months
Resting brachial systolic blood pressure (mmHg), measured as for the primary outcome, to assess early response (3 months) and maintenance of effect after the intervention ends (12 months). Change from baseline will be compared between participants with each component "on" versus "off."
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, and 12 months
Change in resting diastolic blood pressure
Resting brachial diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) measured with a calibrated automated oscillometric device (SphygmoCor XCEL); average of three readings taken 1 minute apart.
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months
Change in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity
Central (aortic) arterial stiffness measured as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (m/s) by applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor). Only stable 10-second tracings with at least 80% of beats showing a detectable upstroke are included.
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in carotid-radial pulse wave velocity
Peripheral (muscular artery) stiffness measured as carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (m/s) by applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor).
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in total arterial stiffness
Total carotid pulse wave velocity (m/s) derived from carotid pressure and diameter measurements, used as the basis for separating structural and load-dependent stiffness.
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in structural arterial stiffness
Structural component of carotid pulse wave velocity (m/s), calculated with a participant-specific exponential model of arterial mechanics, with pressure and diameter adjusted to a standard reference pressure of 120/80 mmHg.
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in load-dependent arterial stiffness
Load-dependent component of carotid pulse wave velocity (m/s), calculated as total minus structural stiffness. Values are positive when blood pressure is above 120/80 mmHg and negative when below.
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation
Conduit artery endothelial function measured as percent flow-mediated dilation (%) by B-mode ultrasound after 5 minutes of lower-arm cuff occlusion at 250 mmHg, following a standardized brachial artery reactivity protocol. Peak diameter is recorded 60 and 90 seconds after cuff release.
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in common carotid artery distensibility
Change in common carotid artery diameter between systole and diastole (mm), measured in triplicate across 3 consecutive cardiac cycles by carotid ultrasound and read by a blinded central core lab.
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Nov 2026
- Study start1 May 2027 (estimated)
- Primary completionJul 2030 (estimated)
- Study completionJan 2031 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for HypertensionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Northwestern UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 264 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Northwestern University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Deepika Laddu, Northwestern University
- Investigators
- Deepika Laddu, PhD, Principal investigator, Northwestern University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07915752
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STU00226723
- Acronym
- MOVE-BP
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 4 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data collected during the trial, including outcome, vascular, physical activity and covariate data, will be shared after study completion.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A MOST Framework Trial Evaluating the MOst effectiVe Exercise Types for Blood Pressure Control
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07915752
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MOVE-BP / STU00226723
- Conditions
- Hypertension
- Keywords
- hypertension, high blood pressure, young adult, exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 264 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Northwestern UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2027 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Jul 2030 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jan 2031 (estimated)
- First posted
- 4 Nov 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Exercise is known to prevent nearly one in three cases of hypertension and slow its progression in young adults, but we do not know which specific exercise types are most effective. The main objective of this study is to determine which exercise prescription (ExRx) intervention component(s) alone or in combination most effectively lower systolic BP in young adults with stage I hypertension, identify the vascular mechanisms underlying these changes, and guide the development of optimized exercise-based prescription packages for effective hypertension control in this population.
Detailed description
Nearly one-third of hypertension cases are preventable through exercise alone. Yet among the more than 30 million U.S young adults with stage I hypertension, fewer than 10% achieve BP control, and up to half progress to stage II within five years. While moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic training (AT) is first-line therapy, up to 40% of individuals, especially those with stage I hypertension, show little or no benefit. Current guidelines continue to emphasize generic AT prescriptions, overlooking physiological variability that may influence exercise effectiveness. Resistance training (RT), including dynamic (DRT) and isometric (IRT) types, is also guideline recommended for managing hypertension, and can lower systolic BP as much as-or even more than AT. Notably, DRT and IRT engage different physiological pathways-systemic vs. localized vascular adaptations-suggesting their BP effects may differ. However, most exercise trials for hypertension test exercise types (components) in isolation or as bundles (e.g., AT + RT) without systematically evaluating which components drive BP reduction. This leaves critical gaps in understanding which exercise components or combinations thereof are most effective, and by what mechanisms. A component-specific approach is necessary to move toward a more tailored, effective exercise treatment strategy for stage I hypertension. This proposed study (MOVE-BP) uses a Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework with a 2^3 factorial experiment to efficiently test individual and combined exercise components (AT, DRT, and IRT) in unmedicated young adults with Stage I hypertension. The goal is to identify which components meaningfully contribute to systolic BP reduction and guide the development of optimized exercise-based prescription packages for effective hypertension control in this population. This study is designed as Bi-Phasic Project: the first year will be dedicated to finalizing protocols, establishing trial infrastructure, and enroll the first participant(s) to facilitate transition to the full-scale trial. In subsequent years (year 2-5), a total of 264 adults aged 18-44 years eligible for lifestyle therapy only will be enrolled and will receive a core intervention (Fitbit + standard BP health education) and be randomized into one of eight remotely delivered conditions, with each testing AT, DRT, and IRT alone or across all possible combinations. Aim 1 will identify which exercise components or combinations most effectively reduce systolic BP at 6 months, with follow-up at 12 months to evaluate maintenance of BP effects and exercise adherence. Aim 2 will examine whether improvement in arterial stiffness, endothelial function, and carotid artery distensibility mediate BP change, and whether individual-characteristics (age, sex, race, body weight, diet quality) moderate exercise component effects. This study will generate critical evidence to inform the development of optimized, scalable exercise treatment packages for hypertension control and long-term cardiovascular disease prevention in young adults.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 8
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Core + AT + DRT + IRT | Experimental | Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Behavioral: Aerobic training (AT), Behavioral: Dynamic resistance training (DRT), Behavioral: Isometric resistance training (IRT)Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus all three exercise components for 6 months: aerobic training (AT), dynamic resistance training (DRT), and isometric resistance training (IRT). AT: 4 sessions/week of moderate-to-vigorous endurance exercise, progressing from 40-59% to 60-89% heart rate reserve. DRT: 3 sessions/week of 6 exercises, 3 sets each, progressing from 50% to 70-80% of 1-repetition maximum. IRT: 3 sessions/week of a 3-exercise circuit, 4 sets of holds progressing to 2 minutes, at 30% maximum voluntary contraction (upper body) and 95% peak heart rate (lower body). Each component includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. |
| Core + AT + DRT | Experimental | Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Behavioral: Aerobic training (AT), Behavioral: Dynamic resistance training (DRT)Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus aerobic training (AT) and dynamic resistance training (DRT) for 6 months. AT: 4 sessions/week of moderate-to-vigorous endurance exercise, progressing from 40-59% to 60-89% heart rate reserve. DRT: 3 sessions/week of 6 exercises, 3 sets each, progressing from 50% to 70-80% of 1-repetition maximum. Each component includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. |
| Core + AT + IRT | Experimental | Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Behavioral: Aerobic training (AT), Behavioral: Isometric resistance training (IRT)Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus aerobic training (AT) and isometric resistance training (IRT) for 6 months. AT: 4 sessions/week of moderate-to-vigorous endurance exercise, progressing from 40-59% to 60-89% heart rate reserve. IRT: 3 sessions/week of a 3-exercise circuit, 4 sets of holds progressing to 2 minutes, at 30% maximum voluntary contraction (upper body) and 95% peak heart rate (lower body). Each component includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. |
| Core + AT | Experimental | Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Behavioral: Aerobic training (AT)Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus aerobic training (AT) for 6 months. AT: 4 sessions/week of moderate-to-vigorous endurance exercise (e.g., walking, stair climbing), progressing from 40-59% to 60-89% heart rate reserve. Includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. |
| Core + DRT + IRT | Experimental | Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Behavioral: Dynamic resistance training (DRT), Behavioral: Isometric resistance training (IRT)Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus dynamic resistance training (DRT) and isometric resistance training (IRT) for 6 months. DRT: 3 sessions/week of 6 exercises, 3 sets each, progressing from 50% to 70-80% of 1-repetition maximum. IRT: 3 sessions/week of a 3-exercise circuit, 4 sets of holds progressing to 2 minutes, at 30% maximum voluntary contraction (upper body) and 95% peak heart rate (lower body). Each component includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. |
| Core + DRT | Experimental | Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Behavioral: Dynamic resistance training (DRT)Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus dynamic resistance training (DRT) for 6 months. DRT: 3 sessions/week of 6 exercises (e.g., squat, chest press, lunges, shoulder press), 3 sets each, progressing from 50% to 70-80% of 1-repetition maximum. Includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. |
| Core + IRT | Experimental | Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Behavioral: Isometric resistance training (IRT)Participants receive the core intervention (Fitbit activity tracker and standard blood pressure health education) plus isometric resistance training (IRT) for 6 months. IRT: 3 sessions/week of a 3-exercise circuit (e.g., wall sit, plank, glute bridge), 4 sets of holds progressing to 2 minutes, at 30% maximum voluntary contraction (upper body) and 95% peak heart rate (lower body). Includes 1 trainer-supervised videoconference session per week; remaining sessions are unsupervised and guided by manualized videos. |
| Core only | Experimental | Behavioral: Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education)Participants receive the core intervention only for 6 months: a wrist-worn Fitbit activity tracker for daily wear and standard blood pressure health education materials (videos and flyers adapted from NHLBI and the American Heart Association) delivered twice per month. No exercise components are prescribed. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 44 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Age 18-44 years Northwestern University patient with untreated Stage I hypertension (blood pressure 130-139/80-89 mmHg) documented on at least 2 outpatient encounters in the prior year No current antihypertensive medication use Estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease risk below 7.5% by the PREVENT risk calculator Body mass index 18.5-39.9 kg/m² Average home blood pressure of 130-139/80-89 mmHg during a 7-day home monitoring period Fewer than 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity measured by accelerometer Exercise readiness confirmed by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+), with medical clearance if indicated English fluency Reliable internet access on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, with videoconference capability (e.g., Zoom)
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Use of a GLP-1 receptor agonist within the past year Weight change of more than 15 lbs in the prior 3 months Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within 6 months Active cancer and/or currently receiving cancer treatment History of type 1 or type 2 diabetes History of chronic kidney disease History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease History of cardiovascular disease or coronary heart disease Absolute contraindication to exercise (e.g., severe neurological, psychological, or orthopedic condition)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education)All participants receive a wrist-worn Fitbit activity tracker (Charge 3 or similar) to wear daily during waking hours, synced to a secure coaching portal that study staff use to monitor wear adherence. Participants also receive standard blood pressure health education materials (videos and flyers adapted from NHLBI and the American Heart Association) by email or mail twice per month for 6 months. Topics include hypertension and its health risks, BP self-monitoring, healthy eating, and active lifestyle strategies. Materials are non-interactive and standardized across all conditions. Arms: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Behavioural | Core + AT, Core + AT + DRT, Core + AT + DRT + IRT, Core + AT + IRT, Core + DRT, Core + DRT + IRT, Core + IRT, Core only |
| Aerobic training (AT)6-month remotely delivered endurance-based exercise program (e.g., walking, stair climbing) performed 4 sessions per week at moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Intensity begins at 40-59% heart rate reserve and progresses to 60-89% heart rate reserve, guided by 6-minute walk tests at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. One session per week is supervised by a trainer via videoconference; the remaining sessions are completed independently using manualized videos. Intensity is monitored by Fitbit heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Arms: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Behavioural | Core + AT, Core + AT + DRT, Core + AT + DRT + IRT, Core + AT + IRT |
| Dynamic resistance training (DRT)6-month remotely delivered resistance exercise program performed 3 sessions per week, consisting of 6 multi-joint, single-joint, and trunk exercises (e.g., squat, chest press, lunges, shoulder press), 3 sets each. Intensity begins at 50% of 1-repetition maximum and progresses to 70-80% of 1-repetition maximum by 6 months using overload principles, with 1-repetition maximum retested at 3 and 6 months. Participants receive an adjustable dumbbell set. One session per week is supervised by a trainer via videoconference; the remaining sessions are completed independently using manualized videos. Sets, repetitions, and load are logged in the coaching portal. Arms: 1, 2, 5, 6 | Behavioural | Core + AT + DRT, Core + AT + DRT + IRT, Core + DRT, Core + DRT + IRT |
| Isometric resistance training (IRT)6-month remotely delivered isometric exercise program performed 3 sessions per week, consisting of a 3-exercise circuit (e.g., wall sit, plank, glute bridge) completed for 4 sets with 1-2 minutes of rest between sets. Holds begin at 30 seconds and increase by 15 seconds per week to a maximum of 2 minutes. Intensity is 30% of maximum voluntary contraction for upper-body exercises and 95% of peak heart rate for lower-body exercises. One session per week is supervised by a trainer via videoconference; the remaining sessions are completed independently using manualized videos. Arms: 1, 3, 5, 7 | Behavioural | Core + AT + DRT + IRT, Core + AT + IRT, Core + DRT + IRT, Core + IRT |
Primary outcome
Change in resting systolic blood pressure
Time frame: Baseline to 6 months
Resting brachial systolic blood pressure (mmHg) measured in person with a calibrated automated oscillometric device (SphygmoCor XCEL) after 10 minutes of rest. Three readings are taken 1 minute apart and averaged. Change from baseline will be compared between participants with each exercise component (AT, DRT, IRT) "on" versus "off."
9 secondary outcomes
Change in resting systolic blood pressure at 3 and 12 months
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, and 12 months
Change in resting diastolic blood pressure
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months
Change in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in carotid-radial pulse wave velocity
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in total arterial stiffness
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in structural arterial stiffness
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in load-dependent arterial stiffness
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Change in common carotid artery distensibility
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, and 6 months
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Nov 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data collected during the trial, including outcome, vascular, physical activity and covariate data, will be shared after study completion.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Deepika Laddu, PhD principal investigator
Northwestern University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Core intervention (Fitbit tracking and BP health education), Aerobic training (AT) and Dynamic resistance training (DRT) in people with Hypertension, run by Northwestern University at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Mandy Pershing, MS (312-503-3237, mandy.pershing@northwestern.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in resting systolic blood pressure (time frame: Baseline to 6 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Nov 2026.