Effect of Isometric Strength Training on Blood Pressure: Systematic Review of Literature with Specific Emphasis on Indians

Abstract

Aim: To systematically review and report the articles on isometric exercise on blood pressure. Method: Study was done on February 2016 in Google Scholar using search terms 'Isometrics' and 'Blood pressure' AND 'India'. 420 articles were initially identified and after inclusion, exclusion criteria 3 articles are used for this review. Results: Studies were at least 5 weeks duration with 30% MVIC (maximum voluntary isometric contraction) of intensity for 3 min duration. Total of 110 subjects participated with median of 30 subjects. Garg et al. (2014) found mean difference (MD) of -9.87 mmHg in SBP and -5.26 mmHg in DBP. Sandhu et al. (2014) found MD of -7.04 mmHg in SBP and -6.56 mmHg in DBP. Gandhi (2016) found MD of -3.24 mmHg in SBP and -4.03 mmHg in DBP. Overall there was a mean reduction of 6.72 mmHg in SBP and 5.28 mmHg in DBP. Conclusion: After isometric exercise in Indians BP reduction is as of Western counterparts.

Are home-based exercises effective to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive adults? A systematic review

“…Among strength training programs, isometric and dynamic resistance exercises are effective to reduce blood pressure [ 4 ]. Isometric training is widely recommended because of its safety, low cost, easy application at home, and is effective in reduced blood pressure in hypertensive subjects [ 52 ]. Among the underlying mechanisms, the reduction in sympathetic activity and increase in vagal tone [ 45 ], acute improvements in left ventricular function [ 53 ], and improved endothelial function [ 54 ] are the most common findings.…”