Isometric Resistance Training Research Articles

Reliability and validity of a low-cost, wireless sensor and smartphone app for measuring force during isometric and dynamic resistance exercises.

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of an affordable wireless force sensor in measuring mean and peak forces during resistance training.A Suiff Pro wireless force sensor (Suiff, Spain) and a MuscleLab force platform (Ergotest, Norway) were used concurrently to assess tensile load and the ground reaction force resulting from an upright row exercise. Thirteen participants (28.2 ± 5.7 years, 76.2 ± 9.6 kg, 178.2 ± 9.2 cm) performed the exercise under three velocity conditions and isometrically. Each condition involved three sets of exercise. Mean (Fmean) and peak (Fpeak) force values from both sensors were collected and compared.Suiff Pro exhibited excellent reliability for Fmean and Fpeak (ICCs = 0.99). When compared to the criterion measures, Suiff Pro showed trivial standardized bias for Fmean (Mean = 0.00 [CI 95% = 0.00 to 0.01]) and Fpeak (-0.02 [-0.04 to 0.00]). The standardized typical error was also trivial for Fmean (0.03 [0.02 to 0.03]) and Fpeak (0.07 [0.05 to 0.09]). Correlations with the MuscleLab force platform were nearly perfect: Fmean (0.97 [0.94 to 0.98]; p<0.001); Fpeak (0.96 [0.92 to 0.97]; p<0.001).The findings demonstrate that the Suiff Pro sensor is reliable and valid device for measuring force during isometric and dynamic resistance training exercises. Therefore, practitioners can confidently use this device to monitor kinematic variables of resistance training exercises and to obtain real-time augmented feedback during a training session.

Resistance Training Practices of Brazilian Olympic Sprint and Jump Coaches: Toward a Deeper Understanding of Their Choices and Insights (Part III).

In the final part of this three-article collection on the training strategies of Brazilian Olympic sprint and jump coaches, we provide a detailed description of the resistance training methods and exercises most commonly employed by these speed experts. Always with the objective of maximizing the sprint and jump capabilities of their athletes, these experienced coaches primarily utilize variable, eccentric, concentric, machine-based, isometric, complex, and isoinertial resistance training methods in their daily practices. Squats (in their different forms), Olympic weightlifting, ballistics, hip thrusts, lunges, calf raises, core exercises, leg curls, stiff-leg deadlifts, and leg extension are the most commonly prescribed exercises in their training programs, during both the preparatory and competitive periods. Therefore, the current manuscript comprehensively describes and examines these methods, with the additional aim of extrapolating their application to other sports, especially those where sprint speed is a key performance factor.

Isometric Exercise and Inspiratory Muscle Training as the Antihypertensive Treatment in Elderly Population

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a common age related, chronic disorder affecting more than 1 billion people. The risk of developing hypertension is between the age of 55 to 65 years. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and isometric resistance training individually shows beneficial outcomes in a number of cardiovascular populations, which may potentially improve condition of elderly patients with hypertension. PURPOSE: To study the effectiveness of combined isometric resistance training and inspiratory muscle training on the change in blood pressure. METHODS: A total of 15 patients were included in the study based on the inclusion who were diagnosed with hypertension above 140/70 mmHg, both genders with age above 60 years, and the patients with any acute illness and other neurological, metabolic, pulmonary and systemic diseases were excluded from the study. All the participants were assessed for SBP and DBP before initiating the study using sphygmomanometer. All the participants were given isometric exercises and inspiratory muscle training for 3 weeks and the post-test measurements were obtained. The pre-test and post-test measurements were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The study shows a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post -test value of SBP ( -8.47 mmHg) and DBP (-3.2mmHg) with p value &lt;0.0001. CONCLUSION: Our findings and data suggest that this form of training has the potential to produce significant and clinically meaningful blood pressure reductions in the elderly population.

Synergic Effect of Isometric Resistance Training and Subthreshold Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation on the Excitability of Spinal Motoneurons in Humans

Synergic Effect of Isometric Resistance Training and Subthreshold Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation on the Excitability of Spinal Motoneurons in Humans

O.4.1-3 Effects of novel isometric resistance training on resting and ambulatory blood pressure measures: a comparison between exercise modes

Abstract Purpose Isometric resistance training (IRT) can reduce clinical resting, and ambulatory blood pressure measures (ABPM) irrespective of hypertensive status, yet adopted methods are expensive, require specialised equipment, and may limit accessibility for those with mobility restrictions. Previous work undertaken in our laboratory has established a novel isometric training band (ITB) and associated protocol as a method of safely performing acute IRT. However, the chronic effects of ITB on clinical resting blood pressure (BP) and ABPM remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate the novel IRT method by comparing the effects of the ITB on BP following 4-weeks of IRT. Methods Forty-two healthy normotensive adults (22 male, 20 female, [Mean ± SD], age 31 ± 14 years, height 170 ± 10 cm, mass 75 ± 16 kg, systolic [SBP], 120 ± 5 mmHg, diastolic [DBP], 72 ± 7 mmHg, mean arterial [MAP], 88 ± 6 mmHg, heart rate [HR[ 67 ± 12 bpm·-1) were randomised to a control (CON), isometric handgrip (IHG) or isometric training band (ITB) group. Clinical resting (SBP, DBP, MAP, &amp; HR) and ABPM (n = 38; 24-hour, daytime, and night-time SBP, DBP, MAP, &amp; HR) were measured pre-and post-4-weeks of supervised IRT (4 x 2-minute contractions at 30%MVC [IHG] or 4 x 2-minute contractions at CR-10 values equivalent to 30%MVC [ITB]). Data were analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVAs to examine any significant (P &amp;lt;.05) within-and between group differences. Results Clinical resting SBP was reduced for IHG (-4.6 ± 3.6 mmHg, P &amp;lt;.05) and ITB (-4.5 ± 3 mmHg, P &amp;lt;.05) following 4-weeks of IRT. No differences were seen within-or between groups for clinical resting DBP and MAP or for resting HR (P &amp;gt;.05). No differences were found over time or between groups for ABPM (P &amp;gt;.05 across all measures). Conclusions These findings suggest 4-weeks of IRT using the novel ITB can elicit reductions in clinical resting BP in normotensives comparable to IHG. As such, the ITB may offer a practical and cost-effective alternative to long-established IRT methods. Yet further research is needed to ascertain the ABPM-lowering effects of the ITB for normotensive groups.

Short-term effects of Kinesio taping combined with cervical muscles multi-angle isometric training in patients with cervical spondylosis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Kinesio taping (KT) combined with multi-angle isometric resistance training for cervical spondylosis.MethodsSixty-one patients were divided into two groups by random number table method. Both groups were given multi-angle isometric training, the patients in the observation group were supplemented with Kinesio taping. Before and after treatment, the symptoms of cervical spine function were evaluated in two groups by visual analogue scale (VAS), cervical dysfunction index (NDI), cervical range of motion and muscle stiffness.ResultsAfter 3 weeks of treatment, VAS, NDI scores and the cervical range of motion were significantly better than before (P < 0.05). The range of anterior flexion and extension was significantly larger than the control group (P < 0.05), but the range of other motions were not certain. The muscle stiffness in KT group were significantly lower than the control group.ConclusionKinesio taping combined with multi-angle isometric resistance training can further alleviate the clinical symptoms and correct the neck abnormal posture. But its effects on the range of cervical motion remain uncertain.

EFEITOS DO TREINO ISOMÉTRICO RESISTIDO SOBRE A ATIVIDADE MUSCULAR DOS MEMBROS INFERIORES

ABSTRACT Introduction The high muscular strength in the hip joint is the foundation of jumping ability. Isometric resistance training includes the process of takeoff and landing, recruiting a more extensive set of muscle groups. Objective Analyze the isometric resistance training effects on lower limb muscle activity, including the coactivation of the antagonist’s muscles. Methods By mathematical statistics, weight-bearing isometric resistance training effects on lower extremity maximal muscle strength and explosive power were observed. Changes in coactivation and preactivation levels of lower extremity antagonist muscles data are evaluated and compared before and after isometric resistance training. Results The peak angular velocity of the joints at the hip and ankle in the isometric resistance training group is significantly higher than the control group. There was no significant difference in the peak angular velocity of the knee between the groups (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion Isometric resistance training can shorten the return period, shorten the amortization period, and increase the energy conversion capacity in the muscle-tendon complex. Evidence level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the results.

Effects of isometric resistance training and detraining on ambulatory blood pressure and morning blood pressure surge in young normotensives.

Isometric resistance training (IRT) has been shown to reduce resting and ambulatory blood pressure (BP), as well as BP variability and morning BP surge (MBPS). However, there are no data available regarding how long after cessation of IRT these effects are maintained. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 8 weeks of detraining on resting BP, ambulatory BP and MBPS following 8 weeks of IRT in a population of young normotensive individuals and to further substantiate previously reported reductions in MBPS following IRT. Twenty-five apparently healthy participants with resting BP within the normal range (16 men, age = 23 ± 6 years; 9 women, age = 22 ± 4 years, resting BP: 123 ± 5/69 ± 7 mmHg) were randomly assigned to a training-detraining (TRA-DT, n = 13) or control (CON, n = 12) group. Resting BP, ambulatory BP and MBPS were measured prior to, after 8 weeks of bilateral leg IRT using an isokinetic dynamometer (4 × 2-min contractions at 20% MVC with 2-min rest periods, 3 days/week) and following an 8-week detraining period. There were significant reductions in 24-h ambulatory systolic BP (SBP) and calculated SBP average real variability (ARV) following IRT that were maintained after detraining (pre-to-post detraining, −6 ± 4 mmHg, p = 0.008, −2 ± 1.5 mmHg, p = 0.001). Similarly, the training-induced decreases in daytime SBP and daytime SBP ARV (pre-to-post detraining, −5 ± 6 mmHg, p = 0.001; −2 ± 1.2 mmHg, p = 0.001, respectively), MBPS (pre-to-post detraining, −6 ± 9 mmHg, p = 0.046) and resting SBP (pre-to-post detraining, −4 ± 6 mmHg, p = 0.044) were preserved. There were no changes in night-time or night-time SBP ARV across all time points (pre-to-post detraining, −1 ± 8 mmHg, p = 1.00, −0.7 ± 2.9 mmHg, p = 1.00). These results confirm that IRT causes significant reductions in resting BP, ambulatory BP, ambulatory ARV and MBPS. Importantly, the changes remained significantly lower than baseline for 8 weeks after cessation of training, suggesting a sustained effect of IRT.

Effects of Isometric and Isotonic Training on Health-Related Fitness Components in Young Adults

Isometric and isotonic exercises are important modes of resistance training for enhancement of athletic performance. However, less is known about their effects on fitness and health in recreationally physically active individuals. This study evaluates the effect of isometric and isotonic training protocols on health-related fitness components in young university students. A group of one hundred males (18–24 years) underwent a 12-week isotonic and isometric training program (two days per week, 45 min per session). They were randomized into two groups, group A (n = 50) and group B (n = 50). While group A underwent the isotonic resistance training, the group B completed isometric resistance training. Prior to and after training programs, body mass index (BMI) was measured and the bench press 1RM test, sit-ups test, sit and reach test, and 12 min run/walk test were performed. Results showed significant improvements in BMI, bench press 1RM test, sit-ups test, sit and reach test, and 12 min run/walk test after both isotonic and isometric training protocols. The isotonic training group increased in BMI by 2.70%, bench press 1RM by 34.45%, number of sit-ups by 24.13%, sit and reach distance by 29.12%, and 12 min run/walk distance by 19.82%. Isometric training group increased in BMI by 1.96%, bench press 1RM by 14.23%, number of sit-ups by 7.80%, sit and reach distance by 6.92%, and 12 min run/walk distance by 6.99%. A comparison of these training protocols revealed that the isotonic group improved significantly more than the isometric group in the bench press 1RM (20.22%), number of sit-ups (16.33%), and sit and reach distance (22.2%) but not in the 12 min run/walk distance (12.83%) and BMI (0.74%). These findings indicate that both isotonic and isometric resistance training protocols improve health-related fitness components in young adults; however isotonic training is more efficient than isometric training in increasing their muscle strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility.

Isometric Resistance Training Is Recommended as a Safe and Effective Adjunct Therapy to Reduce Blood Pressure

ABSTRACT Most scientific organizations recommend isometric resistance training (IRT) to manage blood pressure (BP), whereas some still do not. A typical grip IRT program of 4 × 2-minute 30%-intensity efforts with 1–3-minute rest periods, performed ≥3×/week for ≥8 weeks, can be efficient, safe, and relatively inexpensive. It can help decrease resting BP at least as much as aerobic or dynamic resistance training. IRT can be as effective as one antihypertensive medication and likely lessens strokes and myocardial infarctions. It can be as safe as other exercise modes regarding acute BP rise and safer than aerobic exercise regarding cardiac demand. Grip IRT is currently more conducive than leg IRT to program delivery. These highlights come from an expert-panel consensus reached through a largely anonymous multistep process, agreeing with the organizations that support IRT. To follow the science on IRT and BP, exercise and health care practitioners should seek corroboration from the guidelines of multiple organizations.

EFFECTS OF ISOMETRIC EXERCISE ON THE SPECTROMETRIC PROFILE OF OLDER ADULTS WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Objective: A decline in protein homeostasis is associated with the development and progression of several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Physical exercise is a promising intervention to counter defects in protein quality control. Isometric resistance training (IRT) promotes clinically relevant reductions in blood pressure (BP), however, its effects on protein homeostasis are not clearly defined. We determined the general proteomic profile in human plasma of older adults with high normal BP to hypertension and how it changes in response to IRT. Design and method: Older adults (n = 11, age: 73 ± 3 years) with high normal BP to hypertension participated in 8-weeks of IRT. IRT consisted of 4x45 sec contractions, alternatively with both hands, at an intensity of 50% of the maximum voluntary contraction, with a 1-min interval between sets, performed 3 times per week. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy assessed changes in the plasma after versus before IRT in the region of the spectra attributed to the secondary structure of proteins (1700–1600 cm-1). Results: Samples showed an excellent discrepancy before versus after IRT in the 1700–1600 cm-1 region. IRT induced a shift in the peak in the in the spectra region of 1622 cm-1; this region is attributed to intermolecular beta-sheets, which are common structures found in mature fibrils. Mature fibrils are prone to form toxic protein aggregates, especially amyloid aggregates. After IRT, participants appeared to have lower levels of intermolecular beta-sheets and samples were enriched with antiparallel beta-sheets (1696 cm-1) and beta-turns (1665 cm-1). Conclusions: The decrease in intermolecular beta-sheets may represent an improvement in the protein turnover and a better protein quality control in hypertension as a result of IRT. The differences in the antiparallel beta-sheets and beta-turns after IRT indicate IRT is modifying the protein profile. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to address how exercise is influencing protein homeostasis.

Effect of isometric exercise on blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundSystemic arterial hypertension (HTN) is the leading risk factor of cardiovascular disease death. Lifestyle changes are key for the prevention and management of HTN. Regular aerobic exercise training is recommended as part of the management of HTN, and dynamic resistance exercise should be prescribed as an adjuvant to aerobic training. Recent evidence points to the potential benefits of isometric resistance training in reducing blood pressure (BP). Yet, the hypotensive effect of isometric exercise in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals is not fully understood. Thus, we will examine the effect of isometric exercise in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals through a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsOur systematic review study will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) selected from the electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane, LILACS, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PEDro published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese languages. We will follow the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) and PICOS framework. Our search will involve studies with both male and female participants aged 18 years or more diagnosed with prehypertension or HTN performing one session of isometric exercise (acute effect) or isometric exercise training (chronic effect) compared to a control group (no exercise). We will use the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool to evaluate the quality of the studies and RStudio software (v1.3.959 for Windows) for statistical analyses.DiscussionA meta-analysis of a homogeneous sample of prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals involving isometric handgrip exercise alone can further support previous findings and improve our understanding and recommendations for the management of these populations.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020213081.

Effect of wearing different types of face masks during dynamic and isometric resistance training on intraocular pressure

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance The use of face masks has demonstrated to be an effective strategy to prevent transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Wearing face masks, mainly Filtering Face Piece 2 (FFP2) masks, during exercise practice has demonstrated to affect several physiological measures. Background This study was aimed at assessing the intraocular pressure (IOP) behaviour during the execution of the dynamic and isometric biceps-curl exercise with a surgical and FFP2 face mask. Methods Twenty two physically active young adults performed sets of 10 repetitions against the 10-RM (repetition maximum) load and 1-minute isometric effort against a load 15% lower than the 10-RM load with the FFP2 and surgical mask and without any mask. A total of six exercise sets (3 experimental conditions [FFP2, surgical and control] × 2 exercise modalities) were performed. A rebound tonometer was used to measure IOP before, during (10 measurements), and after (30-seconds of passive recovery) each training set. Results At rest, there were not statistically significant IOP differences (p = 0.222). During dynamic exercise, there was a progressive IOP rise (p < 0.001), and a higher IOP response with the FFP2 than without the mask (corrected p-value = 0.003). For the isometric exercise, there was a greater IOP response as a function of accumulated effort (p < 0.001), which was dependent of the face mask used (FFP2> surgical>control; corrected p-values< 0.01). Conclusions The FFP2 masks cause a heightened IOP response during the execution of dynamic and isometric biceps-curl exercise, suggesting that, when possible, glaucoma patients should limit the use of FFP2 masks during resistance training.

Immediate and cumulative effects of upper-body isometric exercise on the cornea and anterior segment of the human eye.

ObjectivesThe execution of isometric resistance training has demonstrated to cause changes in the ocular physiology. The morphology of the cornea and anterior chamber is of paramount importance in the prevention and management of several ocular diseases, and thus, understating the impact of performing isometric exercise on the eye physiology may allow a better management of these ocular conditions. We aimed to determine the short-term effects of 2-minutes upper-body isometric effort at two different intensities on corneal and anterior eye morphology.MethodsEighteen healthy young adults performed a 2-minutes isometric biceps-curl exercise against two loads relative to their maximum strength capacity (high-intensity and low-intensity) in a randomized manner. An Oculus Pentacam was used to measure the corneal morphology and anterior chamber parameters in both experimental conditions at baseline, during the isometric effort (after 30, 60, 90 and 120 seconds), and after 30 and 120 seconds of passive recovery.ResultsWe found that isometric effort causes an increase in pupil size (P < 0.001), and a decrease in the iridocorneal angle (P = 0.005), anterior chamber volume (P < 0.001) and K-flat (P < 0.001) during isometric effort, with these effects being more accentuated in high-intensity condition (P < 0.005 in all cases).Performing 2-minutes upper-body isometric effort did not alter anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness, corneal volume, and K-steep (P > 0.05 in all cases).ConclusionsOur data exhibit that performing 2-minutes of upper-body isometric exercise modifies several parameters of the corneal morphology and anterior eye biometrics, with these changes being greater for the high-intensity exercise condition. The findings of this study may be of relevance for the prevention and management of corneal ectasias and glaucoma.

Power attenuation from restricting range of motion is minimized in subjects with fast RTD and following isometric training.

Time-dependent measures consisting of rate of torque development (RTD), rate of velocity development (RVD), and rate of neuromuscular activation can be used to evaluate explosive muscular performance, which becomes critical when performing movements throughout limited ranges of motion (ROM). In this study, we investigated how restricting ROM influences power production while also exploring the relationship with time-dependent measures before and after isometric resistance training. Using a HUMAC NORM dynamometer, seven males (27 ± 7 yr) and six females (22 ± 3 yr) underwent 8 wk of maximal isometric dorsiflexion training 3 days/wk. One leg was trained at 0° [short-muscle tendon unit (MTU) length] and the other at 40° of plantar flexion (long-MTU length). RTD and rate of neuromuscular activation were evaluated during "fast" maximal isometric contractions. Power, RVD, and rate of neuromuscular activation were assessed during maximal isotonic contractions in four conditions [small (40°-30° of plantar flexion) ROM at 10% and 50% MVC; large (40°-0° of plantar flexion) ROM at 10% and 50% MVC] for both legs, pre- and posttraining. Despite no change in rate of neuromuscular activation following training, peak power, RTD, and RVD increased at both MTU lengths (P < 0.05). Strong relationships (R2 = 0.73) were observed between RTD and peak power in the small ROM, indicating that fast time-dependent measures are critical for optimal performance when ROM is constrained. Meanwhile, strong relationships (R2 = 0.90) between RVD and power were observed at the 50% load, indicating that RVD is critical when limited by load and ROM is not confined. Maximal isometric dorsiflexion training can be used to improve time-dependent measures (RTD, RVD) to minimize power attenuation when ROM is restricted.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Power output was greater in the unrestricted than restricted ROM, and there were strong relationships between rate of torque development (RTD) and velocity development (RVD) with peak power. RTD and RVD had the strongest relationships with power when ROM was restricted and unrestricted, respectively. Following 8 wk of isometric training, discrepancies in power between restricted and unrestricted ROM were reduced. Increasing RTD through isometric training increased power in dynamic movements, especially when ROM was restricted.

Safety, efficacy and delivery of isometric resistance training as an adjunct therapy for blood pressure control: a modified Delphi study

Uncontrolled hypertension remains the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Isometric resistance training (IRT) has been shown to be a useful nonpharmacological therapy for reducing blood pressure (BP); however, some exercise physiologists and other health professionals are uncertain of the efficacy and safety of IRT. Experts’ consensus was sought in light of the current variability of IRT use as an adjunct treatment for hypertension. An expert consensus-building analysis (Delphi study) was conducted on items relevant to the safety, efficacy and delivery of IRT. The study consisted of 3 phases: (1) identification of items and expert participants for inclusion; (2) a two-round modified Delphi exercise involving expert panelists to build consensus; and (3) a study team consensus meeting for a final item review. A list of 50 items was generated, and 42 international experts were invited to join the Delphi panel. Thirteen and 10 experts completed Delphi Rounds 1 and 2, respectively, reaching consensus on 26 items in Round 1 and 10 items in Round 2. The study team consensus meeting conducted a final item review and considered the remaining 14 items for the content list. A final list of 43 items regarding IRT reached expert consensus: 7/10 items on safety, 11/11 items on efficacy, 10/12 items on programming, 8/10 items on delivery, and 7/7 on the mechanism of action. This study highlights that while experts reached a consensus that IRT is efficacious as an antihypertensive therapy, some still have safety concerns, and there is also ongoing conjecture regarding optimal delivery.

Effects of isometric leg training on ambulatory blood pressure and morning blood pressure surge in young normotensive men and women

Despite the reported association between diurnal variations in ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and elevated cardiovascular disease risk, little is known regarding the effects of isometric resistance training (IRT), a practical BP-lowering intervention, on ambulatory BP and morning BP surge (MBPS). Thus, we investigated whether (i) IRT causes reductions in ambulatory BP and MBPS, in young normotensives, and (ii) if there are any sex differences in these changes. Twenty normotensive individuals (mean 24-h SBP = 121 ± 7, DBP = 67 ± 6 mmHg) undertook 10-weeks of bilateral-leg IRT (4 × 2-min/2-min rest, at 20% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) 3 days/week). Ambulatory BP and MBPS (mean systolic BP (SBP) 2 h after waking minus the lowest sleeping 1 h mean SBP) was measures pre- and post-training. There were significant reductions in 24-h ambulatory SBP in men (− 4 ± 2 mmHg, P = 0.0001) and women (− 4 ± 2 mmHg, P = 0.0001) following IRT. Significant reductions were also observed in MBPS (− 6 ± 8 mmHg, p = 0.044; − 6 ± 7 mmHg, P = 0.019), yet there were no significant differences between men and women in these changes, and 24-h ambulatory diastolic BP remained unchanged. Furthermore, a significant correlation was identified between the magnitude of the change in MBPS and the magnitude of changes in the mean 2-h SBP after waking for both men and women (men, r = 0.89, P = 0.001; women, r = 0.74, P = 0.014). These findings add further support to the idea that IRT, as practical lifestyle intervention, is effective in significantly lowering ambulatory SBP and MBPS and might reduce the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events that often occur in the morning.

Therapeutic and preventive eff ect of physical exercises in primary open-angle glaucoma

The review assesses physical exercises as an additional non-pharmacological mean of combating the progression of primary open-angle glaucoma. The ophthalmic hypotensive effect is determined by the type of exercise, its duration and intensity. Moderate aerobic activity is preferred. Among dynamic exercises, jogging has the greatest hypotensive effect. Upper body isometric resistance training provides a more lasting decrease in ophthalmotonus. The decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma is several times more pronounced in comparison with healthy people and occurs regardless of the nature of the local drug antihypertensive therapy. After the termination of classes IOP returns to the previous level on average within a month. An increase in ocular perfusion pressure associated with physical activity dictates the appropriateness of physical exercise for patients with pseudo-normal pressure glaucoma. The combination of hypotensive, vascular, neuroprotective effects of physical activity with a high level of physical fi tness does not exclude a decrease in the risk of development and progression of primary open-angle glaucoma. The development of indications for the use of physical activity by patients with advanced glaucoma, including those who have undergone hypotensive surgery, remains relevant. The type, intensity, dosage and mode of performing the recommended physical exercises require an individual choice.

Comparison of different types of exercise training on resting blood pressure in 30-45 years old adults: a randomised controlled trial

Hypertension is the most metastasizing non-communicable disease, which has affected more than 1.4 billion people, worldwide. Exercise is the core management strategy for hypertensive individuals. Extensive literature is available for each kind of exercise that is isometric hand grip training (IHGT), resistance training (RT), and aerobic training (AT). However, the comparison between these exercise regimens has not been done in a single trial. The trial was conducted on 126 subjects in Hisar, an urban area of Haryana (INDIA), from July 2017 to December 2018. Subjects were randomly assigned to four groups: control (n=33), IHGT (n=32), RT (n=31), and AT (n=30). Study variables were measured at baseline, 2nd week, 4th week, 6th week, and also after the 8th week of intervention. Experimental groups showed significant reduction in all the components of blood pressure in comparison to control group. The RT group showed maximum reduction in blood pressure in comparison to other regimens (systolic blood pressure: RT &gt; IHGT &gt; AT; diastolic blood pressure: RT &gt; AT &gt; IHGT). However, the difference between the groups is not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). The study findings reveal that different kind of exercise regimens are equally effective in lowering blood pressure among pre hypertensive and stage 1 hypertension adults.

The effectiveness and safety of isometric resistance training for adults with high blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

High blood pressure (BP) is a global health challenge. Isometric resistance training (IRT) has demonstrated antihypertensive effects, but safety data are not available, thereby limiting its recommendation for clinical use. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing IRT to controls in adults with elevated BP (systolic ≥130 mmHg/diastolic ≥85 mmHg). This review provides an update to office BP estimations and is the first to investigate 24-h ambulatory BP, central BP, and safety. Data were analyzed using a random-effects meta-analysis. We assessed the risk of bias with the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the quality of evidence with GRADE. Twenty-four trials were included (n = 1143; age = 56 ± 9 years, 56% female). IRT resulted in clinically meaningful reductions in office systolic (-6.97 mmHg, 95% CI -8.77 to -5.18, p < 0.0001) and office diastolic BP (-3.86 mmHg, 95% CI -5.31 to -2.41, p < 0.0001). Novel findings included reductions in central systolic (-7.48 mmHg, 95% CI -14.89 to -0.07, p = 0.035), central diastolic (-3.75 mmHg, 95% CI -6.38 to -1.12, p = 0.005), and 24-h diastolic (-2.39 mmHg, 95% CI -4.28 to -0.40, p = 0.02) but not 24-h systolic BP (-2.77 mmHg, 95% CI -6.80 to 1.25, p = 0.18). These results are very low/low certainty with high heterogeneity. There was no significant increase in the risk of IRT, risk ratio (1.12, 95% CI 0.47 to 2.68, p = 0.8), or the risk difference (1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.03, p = 0.13). This means that there is one adverse event per 38,444 bouts of IRT. IRT appears safe and may cause clinically relevant reductions in BP (office, central BP, and 24-h diastolic). High-quality trials are required to improve confidence in these findings. PROSPERO (CRD42020201888); OSF ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/H58BZ ).