NCT06843577 · Zona Health, Inc
A Pivotal Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Isometric Handgrip Therapy in Elevated Blood Pressure and Hypertensive Subjects
What this study is about
The study will be a multi-center, randomly assigned clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of using the Zona Plus handgrip therapy device compared to the use of an auditory relaxation therapy for treatment of high blood pressure and hypertension in subjects who are not currently taking antihypertensive medications.
View original scientific description
The study will be a multi-center, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using the Zona Plus handgrip therapy device compared to the use of an auditory relaxation therapy for treatment of high blood pressure and hypertension in subjects who are not currently taking antihypertensive medications. Half of the study subjects will also be randomized to record blood pressure at home throughout the study.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Subject is male or female age 22 or older
- Diagnosed with elevated blood pressure or hypertension and verified during Visit #1 by standardized seated cuff SBP
- Have not taken antihypertensive medication for ≥30 days prior to the SEPV
- Subject is expected to have sufficient vision, hearing, and hand strength (hand strength is demonstrated by a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) equaling 35 units of force in both hands measured by a dynamometer
- Subject has baseline BP measurements collected and completes study device training during Baseline Assessment (Visit #1);
- Subject agrees to maintain non-use of medications and over-the-counter (OTC) supplement regimen related to hypertension throughout the treatment phase;
- Patient can comply with and agrees to complete all required study procedures, study clinic visits, and associated activities;
- Patient must be able to understand and give written informed consent in the language provided;
- Subject must have SBP of 130 to ≤149 mmHg, if subjects present with SBP reading of ≥140mmHg they will receive heightened monitoring throughout the first month of the study
Exclusion criteria
- Subject is a female of childbearing potential (e.g., not postmenopausal for at least one year or has not had a hysterectomy or tubal ligation) not using medically effective birth control (e.g., hormonal methods in use at least 30 days prior to screening or barrier methods such as condom and spermicide in use at least 14 days prior to visit 1) or is pregnant, lactating, or plans to become pregnant during the study).
- BP ≥150 mmHg (systolic) and/or \>90 mmHg (diastolic)
- A history of heart failure with current New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III- IV functional classification
- Currently has, or has had a history, of atrial fibrillation, in accordance with 2007 Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)/European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)/European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS) guidelines
- Patient has experienced hospitalization due to a hypertensive emergency, with impending or progressive target organ dysfunction (i.e., renal dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy or CNS involvement) within the past six (6) months
- A \>10 mmHg difference in seated cuff SBP between the right and left arms collected during the SEPV;
- Unstable BP, defined as \>5 mmHg variance between any two (2) consecutive weekly readings (with a maximum of four (4) attempts) to determine a baseline BP measurement ;
- Arm circumference greater than 45 cm;
- Acute illness, infection, or inflammation
- Presence of any unstable cardiovascular disorder, such as MI, unstable angina, significant arrhythmia, stroke, or TIA; within the last six (6) months, or other serious comorbidity that would be likely to impact life expectancy to less than one (1) year or limit patient cooperation or study compliance;
- A history of rest or exertional angina pectoris in the previous six (6) months;
- History of solid organ transplant
- Any secondary form of hypertension (HTN) etiology, including but not limited to primary aldosteronism, chronic steroid therapy and Cushing syndrome, pheochromocytoma, aorta coarctation or untreated thyroid or parathyroid disease;
- Concurrent participation in an investigational clinical study that has not completed the follow-up period or planned participation in another study within the next six (6) months;
- Patient has any other condition or personal circumstance that, in the judgment of the investigator, might interfere with the collection of complete, good quality data or the completion of the research study;
- Patients who currently own or have owned another Zona Plus device and are, or have been, voluntarily performing the isometric handgrip activities.
- Subject plans for greater than 10% of body weight loss/gain (10% of body weight over a 6-month period) during the study
Where
- Valley Village, California
- Coral Gables, Florida
- Chicago, Illinois
- Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Knoxville, Tennessee
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 10, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations