HYPERtension Reduction Through WALKing Stairs Versus Brisk Walking in Individuals With Increased Cardiometabolic Risk - The HYPERWALK Randomized Controlled Trial
This clinical trial investigates whether incorporating stair walking into daily routines improves physical health in adults at risk of lifestyle-related conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Participants will be randomized into three groups: (1) stair walking combined with brisk walking, (2) brisk walking alone, and (3) a control group receiving standard lifestyle advice without specific exercise instructions, stratified by age (\<65 y/o, v \>=65) and site. The primary objective is to assess whether the combination of stair and brisk walking leads to greater reductions in systolic blood pressure compared to brisk walking alone or standard care. Secondary outcomes include changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants in the stair walking group will be instructed to climb ≥250 steps per day (\ 5.5 minutes/day or \ 37.5 minutes/week), or complete an equivalent elevation via inclined slopes, along with ≥75 minutes of brisk walking per week. Those in the brisk walking group will walk ≥150 minutes per week. The control group will receive general lifestyle advice but no tailored physical activity goals or feedback. Participants in both active groups will aim to double their baseline activity levels. Physical activity will be continuously monitored using wearable devices. The active groups will receive personalized feedback and motivational support throughout the 6-month intervention period. If effective, this study may offer a simple, scalable, and low-cost intervention model for use in clinical and public health settings, emphasizing personalized goals, remote monitoring, and behavioral support.
∙ Men and women aged 35 years or older with increased cardiometabolic risk, defined by all of the following:
• Clinically confirmed hypertension, with or without antihypertensive treatment, as documented in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Overweight or obesity, defined as BMI between 27 and 40.
• Physically inactive lifestyle, defined as either:
‣ Light intensity or inactive category on the Stanford Brief Activity Survey (SBAS), or
⁃ Light intensity or inactive category in the physical activity section of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare Lifestyle Questionnaire.