Feasibility and Acceptability of Isometric Exercise and Lifestyle Change for the Management of Hypertension

"The intervention consists of two distinct phases:~• Intensive Phase (12 weeks) - a structured, high-support period involving three weekly supervised isometric exercise sessions and lifestyle change advice. The supervised exercise programme will consist of 4 × 2-minute bouts of wall squat exercise, with 2-minute rest periods between bouts. Participant squat height position will be based on individual calculations determined at baseline. Target rate of perceived exertion (RPE) for each bout will be:~* Bout 1: RPE 4 (target range: 3.5-4.5)~* Bout 2: RPE 5.5 (target range: 5-6)~* Bout 3: RPE 7 (target range: 6.5-7.5)~* Bout 4: RPE 8.5 (target range: 8-9) If the RPE falls outside the target zone for a given bout, participants will adjust their squat height accordingly.~Lifestyle change advice will be given in booklet form in accordance with current NICE guidelines for hypertension.~• Maintenance Phase (12-24 weeks) - focus on sustaining exercise and lifestyle behaviour changes"

Lifestyle change advice given as per current standard care for hypertension