This study aims to investigate the effect of isometric handgrip training on brain blood vessel function in physically inactive adults. Isometric handgrip training is a promising strategy for lowering blood pressure and improving vascular health, but no previous investigations have studied the effect of training on markers of brain blood vessel function. Based on previous work showing improvements in vascular function after isometric handgrip training, we hypothesize that isometric handgrip training will improve key markers of cerebrovascular function.
The incidence of cerebrovascular diseases is expected to increase. Early life sets the stage for vascular health outcomes later in life. Regular exercise is recommended for improving cerebrovascular health outcomes, but a lack of time or inadequate facilities are common exercise barriers. Not getting enough exercise is associated with worse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health outcomes. There is a critical need for time-efficient strategies that require minimal equipment for improving cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. Isometric handgrip (IHG) training is an effective strategy for improving cardiovascular health. Despite IHG's usefulness for improving vascular health through blood pressure reductions and improvements in endothelial function, almost nothing is known about IHG training and cerebrovascular function. Therefore, this project aims to test the hypothesis that 8 weeks of IHG training will improve cerebrovascular blood flow regulation and total cerebrovascular blood flow among adult humans who are not meeting the physical activity recommendations. We will measure middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) via transcranial Doppler ultrasound and assess MCAv dynamic autoregulation and MCAv reactivity to high and low carbon dioxide. We will also measure total cerebral blood flow, central artery stiffness, and MCAv pulsatility index. Understanding the effect of IHG on cerebrovascular health could inform exercise recommendations.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE
Handgrip training 3 days per week for 8 weeks
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida, United States
RECRUITINGChange in middle cerebral artery blood velocity reactivity to hypercapnia
Middle cerebral artery blood velocity will be measured via transcranial Doppler ultrasound
Time frame: Up to 9 weeks
Change in middle cerebral artery blood velocity reactivity to hypocapnia
Middle cerebral artery blood velocity will be measured via transcranial Doppler ultrasound
Time frame: Up to 9 weeks
Brachial systolic blood pressure
Blood pressure measured at the brachial artery
Time frame: Up to 9 weeks
Change in dynamic cerebral autoregulation phase
Calculated from middle cerebral artery blood velocity signal using transfer function analysis
Time frame: Up to 9 weeks
Change in dynamic cerebral autoregulation gain
Calculated from middle cerebral artery blood velocity signal using transfer function analysis
Time frame: Up to 9 weeks
Change in total resting brain blood flow
Total brain blood flow measured in the internal carotid and vertebral arteries at rest via ultrasound
Time frame: Up to 9 weeks
Middle cerebral artery blood velocity pulsatility index
Calculated from middle cerebral artery blood velocity signal
Time frame: Up to 9 weeks
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Enrollment
40