A comparison of blood pressure reductions following 12-weeks of isometric exercise training either in the laboratory or at home

Abstract

PURPOSE: Isometric exercise training (IET) induced reductions in resting blood pressure (RBP) have been achieved in laboratory environments, but data in support of IET outside the lab is scarce. The aim of this study was to compare 12-weeks of home-based (HOM) IET with laboratory-based, face-to-face (LAB) IET in hypertensive adults. METHODS: 22 hypertensive participants (24-60 years) were randomized to three conditions; HOM, LAB or control (CON). IET involved isometric handgrip training (4 x 2-minutes at 30% maximum voluntary contraction, 3 days per week). RBP was measured every 6-weeks (0, 6 and 12 weeks) during training and 6weeks post-training (18 weeks). RESULTS: Clinically meaningful, but not statistically significant reductions RBP were observed following 12 weeks of LAB IET (SBP -9.1±4.1; DBP -2.8±2.1 P>0.05), which was sustained for 6 weeks of detraining (SBP -8.2±2.9; DBP -4±2.9, P>0.05). RBP was reduced in the HOM group after 12 weeks of training (SBP -9.7±3.4; DBP -2.2±2.0 P>0.05) which was sustained for an additional 6 weeks of detraining (SBP -5.5±3.4; DBP -4.6±1.8, P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Unsupervised home-based IET programs present an exciting opportunity for community-based strategies to combat hypertension but additional work is needed if IET is to be employed routinely outside the laboratory.

Relative and Cumulative Effects of Hypertension Self-Care Behaviors on Blood Pressure

“…Two studies included participants enrolled in intervention programs testing isometric exercise training (IET) to lower BP. The first was a community-based study of 22 individuals with HTN randomized to a group-based IET program, a home-based IET program, or a delayed control group (Gordon et al, 2018). Adults, aged 21 to 60 years with resting BP between 130/81 and 160/100 mmHg and/or who were prescribed antihypertensive medication, were recruited via email from a major university.…”

“…SBP and DBP were measured via individual study protocols (Gordon et al, 2018). BP was obtained by trained research assistants (either Kinesiology or Nursing students) using an automated oscillometric sphygmomanometer (American Diagnostic Corporation, Adview 9000 Hauppauge, NY) or by following the American Heart Association (AHA) protocol using a manual sphygmomanometer (Pickering et al, 2005).…”

Is Low-Intensity Isometric Handgrip Exercise an Efficient Alternative in Lifestyle Blood Pressure Management? A Systematic Review

“…In total, 11 studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses, with a total of 13 intervention groups and 311 participants (intervention groups, n = 174; control groups, n = 137). 2,7,[13][14][15]25,27,30,35,36,38 Ten studies were RCTs with parallel group design. 2,7,[13][14][15]25,30,35,36,38 In particular, 1 study reported a parallel group design 27 ; however, no random assignments were performed.…”

“…2,7,[13][14][15]25,27,30,35,36,38 Ten studies were RCTs with parallel group design. 2,7,[13][14][15]25,30,35,36,38 In particular, 1 study reported a parallel group design 27 ; however, no random assignments were performed. Seven studies included hypertensive patients, 7,13,15,25,35,37,38 while 4 articles included prehypertensive men and women.…”

“…2,7,[13][14][15]25,30,35,36,38 In particular, 1 study reported a parallel group design 27 ; however, no random assignments were performed. Seven studies included hypertensive patients, 7,13,15,25,35,37,38 while 4 articles included prehypertensive men and women. 2,14,27,30 One study included patients of normal weight, 2 while 4 research papers included overweight individuals, 14,15,27,30 and 2 of the RCTs reported data on obese patients.…”