ISOMETRIC HAND GRIP EXERCISE: CAN IT BE AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONALAEROBIC EXERCISE TO REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION :Isometric hand grip exercise (IHG) is a form of static resistance exercise. Such exercises are characterized by a change in muscle tension while the muscle length remains constant. Aerobic isotonic exercise has plethora of proved benets over blood pressure but needs dedicated time and willingness to perform it. In comparison to Aerobic isotonic exercise, Isometric hand grip exercise is a simple form of exercise which needs little adjustment in daily routine.OBJECTIVE:To determine the immediate effect of graded isometric hand grip exercise on Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Present study was conducted on 82 healthy adults aged between 18 to 25 years including both sexes. Subjects having any form of hypertension, other cardio-vascular co-morbidities and any diseases involving wrist joint and palmar diseases are excluded from this study. Systolic and Diastolic Blood pressure is measured single handedly at resting condition, after 30% Maximum voluntary contractions (MVC), after high load contractions, Post sham, and 1 hour post sham.CONCLUSION:It is revealed that after 30% MVC and post high load ,SBP and DBP is signicantly increased compared to resting condition but after post sham, SBP and DBP is signicantly decreased in both sexes.There is no signicant change found in 1 hour post sham condition.