Effect of isometric handgrip exercise training on resting blood pressure in normal healthy adults

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to study the effect of isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise training on resting blood pressure in normal healthy volunteers.

Materials and methods: Hand grip spring dynamometer was used for IHG exercise training. A total of 30 normal healthy volunteers in the age group of 20-40 y were enrolled for the study. Exercise training protocol consisted of five 3-min bouts of IHG exercise at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction separated by 5 min rest periods. Exercise was performed 3 times/wk for 10 wk. Subject's blood pressure was measured before and after exercise.

Result: There was a significant reduction in resting blood pressure following 10 wk of exercise training. Both Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure reduced significantly (p<0.001).

Conclusion: IHG exercise training might be a simple, effective, inexpensive and non-pharmacological method in lowering blood pressure.

Keywords: Blood pressure; Hand grip exercise training; Isometric.

Figures

[Table/Fig-1]:

Hand grip spring dynamometer

[Table/Fig-3]:

Bar diagram showing mean of SBP and DBP at rest week and 10 weeks

[Table/Fig-4]:

Graph showing decrease in SBP and DBP from rest week to 10 weeks