GRIP in Uganda

Getting a GRIP on Hypertension in Uganda: Giving Repetitive Isometric Exercise for Blood Pressure Control (GRIP in Uganda)

The GRIP in Uganda study is a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) conducted at the Allan Stone Community Health Clinic (Soft Power Health) in rural Uganda. This study aims to determine the efficacy of 12 weeks of Isometric Handgrip Training (IHT) on blood pressure levels compared to usual care in a population of hypertensive (stage 1) patients.

IHT is a form of resistance training consisting of doing multiple static forearm contractions on a stress ball, separated by short periods of rest. IHT is a promising simple and low-cost intervention for hypertension management.

Study nurse Andrew overseeing an IHT session with participants (2025).

Meet our research team!

The GRIP study team. From left to right: Kate Zinszer, Agaba Katureebe, Yandaga Rebecca, Nantume Margret, Andrew Mwesigwa, Henry Isabirye, and Jessie Stone.

Learn more about our partner, the Soft Power Health clinic, here.

Funding by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

Investigators and collaborators: Henry Isabirye, Cheri McGowan, Jessie Stone, Charles Kalumuna, Geofrey Musinguzi, Stella Nabirye, Paula Van Wyk, Philip Levy, Gerald Mutungi, Katia Charland.

Research team: Agaba Katureebe, Andrew Mwesigwa, Yandaga Rebecca and Nantume Margaret

  • Agaba Katureebe, MD, MSc

    Study Coordinator

    Agaba Katureebe is a medical doctor with formal training in epidemiology and extensive experience in coordinating large-scale public health research. His work spans multi-year studies on malaria control and hypertension interventions, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and translating research into policy. He has contributed significantly to disease surveillance, community-based interventions, and health systems strengthening in Uganda. Passionate about mentorship, he actively supports the growth of early-career researchers and health professionals, fostering capacity building in the field of public health.

  • Yandaga Rebecca

    Research Assistant/Study Nurse

    Yandaga Rebecca is a research assistant and study nurse for the GRIP Study in Uganda. She specializes in participant recruitment, enrollment, informed consent, scheduling, follow-up, and guiding participants through IHT sessions. Rebecca holds a certificate in comprehensive nursing, along with certifications in Good Clinical Practice and research ethics. She is passionate about contributing to accessible, evidence-based health interventions in her community.

  • Andrew Mwesigwa

    Research Assistant/Study Nurse

    Andrew Mwesigwa is a research assistant for the GRIP in Uganda Study. His strengths lie in participant recruitment, consenting, scheduling, follow-up coordination, and conducting IHT sessions. Andrew holds a certification in nursing and has completed training in Good Clinical Practice and Human Participant Protection.

  • Nantume Margret

    Research Assistant/Study Nurse

    Nantume Margret is a research assistant and study nurse for the GRIP Study in Uganda. Margret plays a key role in participant recruitment, consenting, scheduling, follow-ups, and delivering IHT sessions. She holds a certification in nursing and has completed training in Good Clinical Practice and research ethics from Mbarara University of Science and Technology. She is passionate about improving community health through clinical research.