Effects Of Isometric Handgrip Training Research Articles

Blood flow restriction augments the cross-education effect of isometric handgrip training.

The application of blood flow restriction (BFR) to low-intensity exercise may be able to increase strength not only in the trained limb but also in the homologous untrained limb. Whether this effect is repeatable and how that change compares to that observed with higher intensity exercise is unknown. Examine whether low-intensity training with BFR enhances the cross-education of strength compared to exercise without BFR and maximal efforts. A total of 179 participants completed the 6-week study, with 135 individuals performing isometric handgrip training over 18 sessions. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1) low-intensity (4 × 2min of 30% MVC; LI, n = 47), 2) low-intensity with blood flow restriction (LI + 50% arterial occlusion pressure; LI-BFR, n = 41), 3) maximal effort (4 × 5s of 100% MVC; MAX, n = 47), and 4) non-exercise control (CON, n = 44). LI-BFR was the only group that observed a cross-education in strength (CON: 0.64 SD 2.9kg, LI: 0.95 SD 3.6kg, BFR-LI: 2.7 SD 3.3kg, MAX: 0.80 SD 3.1kg). In the trained hand, MAX observed the greatest change in strength (4.8 SD 3.3kg) followed by LI-BFR (2.8 SD 4.0kg). LI was not different from CON. Muscle thickness did not change in the untrained arm, but ulna muscle thickness was increased within the trained arm of the LI-BFR group (0.06 SD 0.11cm). Incorporating BFR into low-intensity isometric training led to a cross-education effect on strength that was greater than all other groups (including high-intensity training).

Isometric handgrip training, but not a single session, reduces blood pressure in individuals with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aerobic exercise is a leading strategy for the prevention/management of systemic arterial hypertension, but other modalities of exercise have also been explored. Thus, we examined the acute effect of isometric handgrip exercise (IHGE) and the chronic effect of isometric handgrip training (IHGT) on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in individuals with hypertension without comorbid conditions. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with hypertension. We searched the electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane, Web of Science, LILACS, EMBASE and PEDro. We used random-effects model for the analyses, RoB2 tool to assess the risk of bias, and GRADE to assess the strength of evidence. A total of 9 RCTs (2 for IHGE and 7 for IHGT) were selected. Compared to a control condition, IHGE did not have any effect on SBP/DBP. Unlike, the pooled mean effect of IHGT showed SBP was reduced by 6.7 mmHg (95% CI -10.3 to -3.4 mmHg) and DBP by 4.5 mmHg (95% CI -7.3 to -1.7 mmHg) in individuals with hypertension. Also, the 95% prediction interval (95% PI) of IGHT was -10.9 to -2.5 mmHg for SBP and -10.2 to +1.2 mmHg for DBP. In conclusion, while IHGE did not produce post-exercise hypotension in the population studied, IHGT reduced SBP/DBP in individuals with hypertension with clinically important reductions in SBP (-6.7 mmHg) and DBP (-4.5 mmHg). This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD 42021217958).

The impact of isometric handgrip exercise and training on health-related factors: A review.

Isometric handgrip exercise has been suggested to promote some health-related factors (e.g., lowering blood pressure). However, there is a need to evaluate whether this type of exercise can be included as an option to elicit these health-related outcomes. The purpose of the article was to systematically review the acute and chronic effects of isometric handgrip exercise on resting blood pressure, pain sensation, cognitive functionand blood lipids and lipoproteins. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 89 studies met our inclusion criteria. Most randomized controlled trials (17/26) reported reductions in resting blood pressure (mostly systolic blood pressure) following isometric handgrip training. There were inconsistent results in isometric handgrip exercise-induced hypotension (i.e., acute response). There was convincing evidence observed in randomized controlled trials (4/6) for isometric handgrip exercise-induced hypoalgesia. Some randomized controlled trials (2/2) supported an improvement in memory performance, but not interference control (0/2), after a session of isometric handgrip exercise. None of the included studies found any effects of isometric handgrip training on blood lipids and lipoproteins. Isometric handgrip exercise appears to be an effective method to improve certain health-related factors. The acute reductions in pain and blood pressure may share a similar central mechanism. However, training-induced reductions in resting blood pressure may be driven by changes in the periphery. Additional work is needed to better understand if (and to what extent) isometric handgrip exercise (or training) influences cognitive function and blood lipids and lipoproteins.

Effects of isometric handgrip training on blood pressure among hypertensive patients seen within public primary healthcare: a randomized controlled trial.

Meta-analyses have demonstrated that isometric handgrip training (IHT) decreases blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. Nonetheless, most studies were conducted in laboratory settings and its effects in real-world settings remain unclear. To analyze the effects of IHT on office and ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive patients attended within primary healthcare. Randomized controlled trial conducted in primary healthcare units within the Family Health Program, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil. 63 hypertensive patients (30-79 years old; 70% female) were randomly allocated into IHT or control groups. IHT was performed three times per week (4 x 2 minutes at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, one-minute rest between bouts, alternating the hands). Before and after the 12-week training period, office and ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate variability were obtained. The significance level was set at P < 0.05 (two-tailed testing) for all analyses. IHT significantly decreased office systolic blood pressure (IHT: 129 ± 4 versus 121 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.05; control: 126 ± 4 versus 126 ± 3 mmHg, P > 0.05), whereas there was no effect on diastolic blood pressure (IHT: 83 ± 3 versus 79 ± 2 mmHg, P > 0.05; control: 81 ± 3 versus 77 ± 3 mmHg, P > 0.05). Heart rate variability and ambulatory blood pressure were not altered by the interventions (P > 0.05 for all). IHT reduced office systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients attended within primary care. However, there were effects regarding diastolic blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure or heart rate variability. NCT03216317.

Effects of Isometric Handgrip Training on Home Blood Pressure Measurements in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Objective We aimed to examine the effects of isometric handgrip (IHG) training on home blood pressure (BP) levels in hypertensive Japanese patients undergoing treatment. Methods Fifty-three hypertensive patients (mean age, 61.7 years; 56.6% men) with a home systolic BP ≥135 mmHg and/or a home diastolic BP ≥85 mmHg were randomly assigned to either group A or B. As per the crossover design, group A performed 8 weeks of IHG training, followed by an equivalent training-free, control period, while the reverse protocol was performed by group B. The baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. The individualized daily IHG training comprised four sets of 2-min isometric contractions at 30% of the individual’s maximum voluntary contraction capacity, including 1 min of rest between sets, for ≥3 days/week. The outcome measure was morning and evening home BP readings taken over the last 2 weeks of the training and control periods. Results A combined data analysis for both groups showed that IHG training was significantly associated with the lowering of both systolic and diastolic BP in the morning (137.9±9.3 vs. 135.3±9.5 mmHg, p=0.007 and 83.0±9.5 vs. 81.2±9.3 mmHg, p＜0.001, respectively) and evening (130.0±10.7 vs. 127.6±10.1 mmHg, p=0.003 and 75.8±10.4 vs. 73.8±9.2 mmHg, p＜0.001, respectively), while no significant change was observed after the control period. A larger increase in the maximum grip strength due to IHG training was associated with greater BP reductions. Conclusion An 8-week period of IHG training significantly lowered both the morning and evening home BP in hypertensive Japanese patients undergoing treatment.

High cardiovascular reactivity and muscle strength attenuate hypotensive effects of isometric handgrip training in young women: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Objective Isometric resistance training may reduce resting blood pressure (BP); however, the magnitude of this effect varies among individual subjects and few studies attempted to predict it. This study aimed to investigate the potential hypotensive effects of isometric training and their association with cardiovascular reactivity to acute isometric exercise and muscle strength in young women. Methods In this randomized trial, twenty young women were randomly assigned to either the training (n = 10) or control (n = 10) group. Women from the training group performed unilateral isometric handgrip sessions for 8 weeks (4 × 2 min at 25% of maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]; 3 days/week). Cardiovascular reactivity to acute isometric exercise and MVC were measured at baseline. Resting BP was assessed during and after the intervention. Results Resting systolic BP significantly lowered only in the training group. The change in resting systolic BP following an 8-week intervention was significantly associated with the systolic BP and diastolic BP reactivity to the acute exercise at baseline during set 3 and 4 (P <.05). The handgrip MVC was associated with changes in systolic BP (r = 0.79, P =.007), diastolic BP (r = 0.68, P =.032), and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.79, P =.006). These results indicated that high cardiovascular reactivity and strength attenuate the hypotensive effects following isometric training in young women. Conclusions The hypotensive effects following isometric training may be identified by BP reactivity to acute isometric exercise or handgrip strength in young women.

Effects of Isometric Handgrip Training in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundMeta‐analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training (IHT) can reduce brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) by >6/4 mm Hg, respectively. However, whether IHT promotes these effects among patients with peripheral artery disease, who exhibit severe impairment in cardiovascular function, is currently unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IHT on the cardiovascular function of patients with peripheral artery disease.Methods and ResultsA randomized controlled trial with peripheral artery disease patients assigned to either the IHT or control group was conducted. The IHT group performed 3 sessions per week, for 8 weeks, of unilateral handgrip exercises, consisting of 4 sets of isometric contractions for 2 minutes at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction and a 4‐minute interval between sets. The control group received a compression ball in order to minimize the placebo effects, representing sham training. The primary outcome was brachial BP. The secondary outcomes were central BP, arterial stiffness parameters, cardiac autonomic modulation, and vascular function. The IHT program reduced diastolic BP (75 [10] mm Hg preintervention versus 72 [11] mm Hg postintervention), with no change in the control group (74 [11] mm Hg preintervention versus 74 [11] mm Hg postintervention), with this between‐group difference being significant (P=0.04). Flow‐mediated dilation improved in the IHT group (6.0% [5.7] preintervention versus 9.7% [5.5] postintervention), with no change in the control group (7.6% [5.5] preintervention versus 7.4% [5.1] postintervention), with this between‐group difference being significant (P=0.04). There was no change in other measured variables over the intervention period.Conclusions IHT reduced brachial diastolic BP and improved local vascular function in patients with peripheral artery disease.Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT02742220.

Effects of isometric handgrip training on cardiac autonomic profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis study.

Meta-analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training reduces blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. However, the effects on cardiac autonomic modulation are still controversial. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyse the effects of isometric handgrip training on cardiac autonomic modulation in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. For this, Medline, Cinhal, Embase, Spordiscus and PEdro were searched for relevant studies published until December 2018. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of isometric handgrip training on heart rate variability parameters were considered eligible. Parameters were obtained in time (standard deviation of all the RR intervals-SDNN, root mean square of successive differences between the normal adjacent RR intervals-RMSSD and the percentage of adjacent intervals with more than 50ms-PNN50) and frequency domain (low frequency-LF, high frequency-HF and sympathovagal balance-LF/HF). Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using an inverse variance method with a random effects model. Seven trials were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, totalling 86 participants. No significant effect was observed in heart rate variability parameters after isometric handgrip training (4 trials to SDNN: MD=-1.44ms and 95% CI=-8.02, 5.14ms; RMSSD: MD=-1.48ms and 95% CI=-9.41, 6.45ms; PNN50: MD=0.85% and 95% CI=-1.10, 2.81%; 7 trials to LF: -0.17n.u. and 95% CI=-6.32, 5.98n.u.; HF: MD=0.17n.u. and 95% CI=-5.97, 6.30n.u.; and LF/HF: MD=0.13 and 95% CI=-0.34, 0.59). In conclusion, current literature indicates that isometric handgrip training does not improve heart rate variability.

Isometric handgrip training does not improve quality of life in hypertensives

Hypertensive patients have high blood pressure and poor cardiovascular health and it is known that hypertension negatively affects people's health-related quality of life. Meta-analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training (IHT) reduces blood pressure in hypertensives, but the effects of IHT on health-related quality of life is unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypotheses that the IHT improves health-related quality of life in hypertensives. In this randomized controlled trial, 48 hypertensive individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: IHT and control. IHT was completed thrice weekly (4 × 2 min at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction). Before and after 12 weeks health-related quality of life was assessment through Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 (SF36). No signi?cant effect was observed for physical function (IHT: 85.6±4.6 vs. 81.1±7.2; Control: 78.6±76.7±4.9), physical problems (IHT: 71.4±10.1vs. 83.9±8.1; Control: 73.8±8.2 vs. 64.3±8.0), general health (IHT: 56.1±3.7 vs. 57.1±1.9; Control: 54.3±1.6 vs. 57.6±2.1), pain (IHT: 23.6±4.6 vs. 30.7±5.8; Control: 32.9±4.5 vs. 31.9±4.3), social aspects (IHT: 46.4±3.6 vs. 50.0±2.3; Control: 48.8±2.7 vs. 48.8±1.7), emotional problems (IHT: 85.7±8.4 vs. 92.9±5.2; Control: 79.4±7.8 vs. 71.4±6.6), mental health (IHT: 61.7±2.8 vs. 58.0±2.5; Control: 54.5±2.4 ± 55.6±1.9), and vitality (IHT: 60.0±4.3 vs. 58.6±4.0; Control: 50.7±2.9 vs. 53.6±3.0) after 12-weeks of supervised IHT (p&gt;0.05 for all). In conclusion, 12-weeks of IHT does not improve health-related quality of life in hypertensives. Therefore, in order to improve quality of life, other exercises should be an indicator for hypertensive patients.

Effect of Isometric Handgrip Training on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Patients With Hypertension

Effect of Isometric Handgrip Training on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Patients With Hypertension

Vascular effects of isometric handgrip training in hypertensives

ABSTRACTThe isometric handgrip training (IHT) has been emerging as an alternative approach for blood pressure (BP) reduction in hypertensive patients. However, the mechanisms underlying the reductions in BP after IHT are poorly known. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the vascular effects of IHT in hypertensive patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 33 hypertensive patients (61 ± 2 y.o.; 67% female) who were randomly assigned to two groups: IHT or control group. The IHT group has completed three weekly sessions of isometric handgrip (4 × 2 min sets, alternating the hands at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction). Before and after a period of 12 weeks BP, arterial stiffness, central and peripheral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and endothelial function were measured. The IHT approach has significantly decreased systolic (∆ = −16 ± 2 vs. ∆ = −3 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic (∆ = −8 ± 2 vs. ∆ = 0 ± 2 mmHg, p = 0.014) BP. Reductions in central PWV (IHT: 9.1 ± 0.5 vs. 8.0 ± 0.3 m/s; Control: 8.8 ± 0.5 m/s, p < 0.05) and shear rate area after occlusion have significantly reduced by using the IHT (37822 ± 6931 vs. 24829 ± 5337 s−1, p < 0.05). In conclusion, 12 weeks of IHT have reduced the BP and arterial stiffness and improved markers of endothelial function in hypertensive patients.

The effect of isometric handgrip training on blood pressure

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of single-bout isometric handgrip training on systolic (BPS) and diastolic blood pressure (BPD). Healthy normotensive (BP&lt;120/80 mmHg) (n=6) and prehypertensive (BPS 120–139 mmHg and/or BPD 80–89 mmHg) (n=6) women with mean age of 47.3±14.0 years, who did not take antihypertensive medicine, participated in the study. Blood pressure (BP) was measured with aneroid sphygmomanometer Riester Precisa N (Germany). Thereafter with the JAMAR hydraulic hand dynamometer (USA) maximal isometric contraction (MVC) was recorded. After a rest of 3 min, the subject was asked to perform the isometric contraction at 30% of MVC for 2 min and that was repeated for four times with rest of 1 min after each bout of contraction. BP was measured again after a rest of 3 min and 3 hrs. 3 min after isometric exercise no statistically significant changes in BPS and BPD was observed. But clinically meaningful BPS decrease was observed and confirmed by subgroup analysis with decrease in BPS among prehypertensive subjects. 3 hrs after isometric exercise BPS and BPD were significantly reduced and the decrease in BPS was also clinically meaningful. Subgroup findings showed among normotensive significant and clinically meaningful reduction in BPS and BPD, respectively, as well as clinically meaningful reduction in BPS among prehypertensive subjects. According to this study we suggest that isometric handgrip training could be considered as BP lowering training method.

Abstract 17249: Impacts of Isometric Handgrip Exercise and Post-Exercise Circulatory Arrest on Hemodynamics and Left Ventricular Function in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Isometric handgrip (IHG) training at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) lowers blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension and healthy individuals. However, impacts of IHG and post-exercise circulatory arrest (PECA), which isolates the metaboreflex control, on left ventricular (LV) function and hemodynamics have been unclear in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: Sixteen patients with HF (age 63±13 years, 5M:11F, 10HFpEF:6HFrEF) underwent invasive LV pressure-volume assessments using conductance catheter with microtip-manometer during 3min of IHG exercise at 30% MVC, followed by 3 min of PECA. Impacts of IHG and PECA on LV function and hemodynamics were evaluated and compared between HFpEF and HFrEF. Results: During 3 min of IHG at 30% MCV, heart rate increased by 10±8 bpm in HFpEF and by 14±6 bpm in HFrEF. IHG elevated LV end-systolic BP in both HFpEF (134±21 vs. 158±30 mmHg, p&lt;0.01) and HFrEF (119±30 vs. 142±31 mmHg, p&lt;0.01) with no change in stroke volume. There was a trend towards an increase in LV end-diastolic pressure in both groups (HFpEF:14±5 vs. 19±10 mmHg, HFrEF: 15±12 vs. 23±11 mmHg). Time constant of LV relaxation was unchanged by 3 min of IHG in HFpEF (52±14 vs. 54±15 ms), while it was prolonged in HFrEF (48±7 vs. 60±9 ms, p&lt;0.01, groupхtime interaction effect p=0.08). During PECA, LV end-systolic BP decreased in both groups and was maintained higher than baseline throughout PECA only in HFpEF. Conclusions: Although IHG exercise at 30% MVC for 3 min would elevate LV end-systolic and end-diastolic pressures, this IHG exercise has no detrimental effect on LV systolic and diastolic function, especially in HFpEF patients. Chronic effect of IHG training on BP and hemodynamics will need to be evaluated in HFpEF patients who often suffer from arterial hypertension.

Erratum: Effects of isometric handgrip training in patients with cardiovascular disease: rationale and design of the ISOPRESS network

Erratum: Effects of isometric handgrip training in patients with cardiovascular disease: rationale and design of the ISOPRESS network

Effects of isometric handgrip training in patients with cardiovascular disease: rationale and design of the ISOPRESS network

Abstract Meta-analytical studies have indicated that isometric handgrip training promotes significant reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive patients with similar or greater decreases in blood pressure than observed after aerobic and dynamic resistance training. However, several gaps in the literature still need to be addressed. Thus, we designed the ISOPRESS network group, which consists of a task force of different research groups aimed at analyzing the effects of isometric handgrip training on different contexts, parameters, and populations. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the rationale and design behind the ISOPRESS, presenting the methods employed. The ISOPRESS questions involve whether isometric handgrip training is effective in hypertensives in different settings (ISOPRESS 1 - unsupervised training and ISOPRESS 2 - public health system), whether it works in patients with other cardiovascular diseases (ISOPRESS 3 - obstructive sleep apnea and ISOPRESS 4 - peripheral artery disease) and what are the mechanisms underlying the effects of isometric handgrip training in hypertensives (ISOPRESS 5 - neural mechanism). The study will yield information on the effectiveness of isometric handgrip training in different settings and patients with other cardiovascular diseases. Finally, it will help to understand the mechanisms involved in reducing blood pressure in hypertensives.

Aerobic versus isometric handgrip exercise in hypertension: a randomized controlled trial.

Aerobic dynamic exercise reduces blood pressure (BP) and is broadly recommended by current American and European hypertension guidelines. Isometric exercise is currently not recommended, since data from only a few studies are available. We compare for the first time the effects of isometric handgrip training and aerobic exercise in a randomized controlled trial. A total of 75 hypertensive patients were randomized to one of the following 12-week programmes: Isometric handgrip training five times weekly (two contractions of 2 min at 30% of maximal power with each arm); 'Sham-handgrip training' five times weekly (two contractions of 2 min at 5% of maximal power with each arm); Aerobic exercise training of 30 min three to five times per week. All patients underwent office BP measurement, 24-h ambulatory BP measurement and noninvasive assessment of arterial compliance and systemic vascular resistance at baseline and after 12 weeks. Baseline epidemiological and hemodynamic characteristics did not differ between groups. Aerobic exercise led to a significant reduction of systolic 24-h BP (P = 0.025), office SBP (P = 0.03), systemic vascular resistance (P = 0.001) and small artery elasticity index (P = 0.005). There were no statistical significant changes of these parameters in the isometric exercise and the 'sham exercise' groups (P > 0.05 each). Isometric handgrip training, performed according to a typical protocol, did not reduce BP in hypertensive patients. Aerobic exercise, even as an uncontrolled and unsupervised exercise regimen, led to a significant reduction of ambulatory and office BP.

Isometric Handgrip as an Adjunct for Blood Pressure Control: a Primer for Clinicians.

Considered a global health crisis by the World Health Organization, hypertension (HTN) is the leading risk factor for death and disability. The majority of treated patients do not attain evidence-based clinical targets, which increases the risk of potentially fatal complications. HTN is the most common chronic condition seen in primary care; thus, implementing therapies that lower and maintain BP to within-target ranges is of tremendous public health importance. Isometric handgrip (IHG) training is a simple intervention endorsed by the American Heart Association as a potential adjuvant BP-lowering treatment. With larger reductions noted in HTN patients, IHG training may be especially beneficial for those who (a) have difficulties continuing or increasing drug-based treatment; (b) are unable to attain BP control despite optimal treatment; (c) have pre-HTN or low-risk stage I mild HTN; and (d) wish to avoid medications or have less pill burden. IHG training is not routinely prescribed in clinical practice. To shift this paradigm, we focus on (1) the challenges of current HTN management strategies; (2) the effect of IHG training; (3) IHG prescription; (4) characterizing the population for whom it works best; (5) clinical relevance; and (6) important next steps to foster broader implementation by clinical practitioners.

Effect of isometric handgrip training on resting blood pressure in adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aims of this study were to update the meta-analysis of the effect of isometric handgrip (IHG) training on resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) in healthy adults, and to analyze the association between IHG training and participants with different initial BP status. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library were searched for eligible studies until Nov. 24, 2014. Cochran's Q statistic and the I2 statistic were used to assess the heterogeneity among included studies, and for the homogeneous outcomes (P≥0.05 and I2<50%) a fixed-effects model was selected for meta-analysis, while a random-effects model was applied for heterogeneous outcomes (P<0.05 or I2≥50%). Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to evaluate the effects of IHR on participants. A total of 7 trials from 6 articles were included, consisting of 157 subjects. The results suggested that SBP (MD=-8.33, 95% CI: -11.19 to -5.46; P<0.01) and DBP (MD=-3.93, 95% CI: -6.14 to -1.72; P<0.01) were significantly decreased in IHG training group compared with control group. In subgroup analysis, SBP, DBP, and HR were all significantly decreased in prehypertensive subjects (P<0.01). In medicated hypertensive subgroup and normotensive subgroup, only SBP and DBP were significantly reduced (P<0.01). IHG training lowers resting SBP and DBP in healthy adults, and IHG training may be an efficacious form of clinical treatment or prevention of hypertension.

Sex‐differences in the effects of isometric handgrip training on resting blood pressure and resistance vessel function

Isometric handgrip (IHG) training lowers resting blood pressure (BP) in normotensive and hypertensive populations, yet potential sex‐differences and mechanisms associated with the hypotensive response remain unclear. We studied, in normotensives, sex‐differences in the effects of IHG training on resting BP and resistance vessel function (RVF), a hypothesized mechanism of post‐training BP reduction. Resting BP (brachial artery oscillometry) and RVF (venous strain gauge plethysmography with reactive hyperaemia) were assessed in 12 females (23 ± 4 yrs; mean ± SD) and 9 males (21 ± 2 yrs), pre‐ and post‐ 8 wks of IHG training (Four, 2 min unilateral contractions at 30% of maximal effort, 3 d•wk−1). IHG training reduced resting systolic BP in both females and males (Females: 94 ± 6 to 88 ± 5 mmHg; Males: 105 ± 10 to 96 ± 7 mmHg, all P &lt; 0.05), but the magnitude of BP reduction was similar between sexes (P &gt;; 0.05). Diastolic BP remained unchanged in both females and males (Females: 57 ± 7 to 54 ± 6 mmHg; Males: 57 ± 5 to 56 ± 5 mmHg, all P &gt;; 0.05). In each sex, systolic BP reductions occurred concomitant to increases in forearm reactive hyperaemic blood flow (Females: 26 ± 7 to 36 ± 9 mL•min−1•100 mL−1; Males: 35 ± 11 to 38 ± 13 mL•min−1•100 mL−1, all P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, IHG training effectively lowers resting BP in both females and males, and improved RVF may mediate the post‐training BP response in both sexes. Supported by University of Windsor.

Effects of isometric handgrip training on blood pressure (resting and 24 h ambulatory) and heart rate variability in medicated hypertensive patients

Isometric handgrip (IHG) training (four, 2-min sustained contractions at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, three times per week for 8-10 weeks) lowers resting arterial blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients, including those receiving pharmacotherapy, although the mechanisms remain elusive. Ambulatory BP measurements are more efficacious in predicting cardiovascular disease-related events, yet the effects of IHG training on ambulatory BP are unknown. The objective of the current investigation was to test the hypotheses that 8 weeks of IHG training lowers resting and 24 h ambulatory BP concomitantly in medicated hypertensive patients, and may be the result of improved vagal modulation. BP was assessed using brachial artery oscillometry, and coarse-graining spectral analysis was used to determine spectral power. Resting and 24 h ambulatory BP and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured pretraining, midtraining, and post-training in 11 medicated hypertensive patients (mean ± SD, resting BP: 113.9 ± 12.7/60.7 ± 11.6 mmHg), and in nine medicated hypertensive controls (resting BP: 117.8 ± 14.3/67.5 ± 4.2 mmHg). Indices of BP and HRV were not significantly altered with IHG training (all P > 0.05). IHG training does not lower resting or ambulatory BP in hypertensive patients successfully treated with pharmacotherapy to within the normal range (≤ 120/80 mmHg), nor does it improve HRV. Future studies should examine alternative IHG training protocols in well-managed hypertensive patients and/or target poorly controlled medicated hypertensive patients.