Home‐based isometric handgrip training on RBP in hypertensive adults—Partial preliminary findings from RCT

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to confirm whether 8 weeks of home‐based isometric handgrip (IHG) training would reduce resting blood pressure (RBP) in an adult Indian population.MethodologyHypertensive patients (Stage 1 [previously prehypertension] and Stage 2 [previously Stage 1 hypertension]) aged 30–45 years, male and female, were included. Intervention: Two groups were included (active control group and IHG training group at 30% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction). Outcomes of this study were resting pulse rate (PR) and RBP, which were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks. Stratified randomization was done by sex and hypertension grade. The study was a double‐blind intervention (both participants and the assessor were blinded to intervention allotment).ResultsForty hypertensive individuals were randomly assigned to a control (N = 20) and an 8‐week home‐based IHG training (N = 20) using a stratified random sampling technique. Each training session consisted of 4 × 2 min bouts with a 4‐min rest between bouts for 8 weeks. Resting PR and RBP were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, there was a significant reduction in blood pressure and PR values in the IHG group as compared with those in the control group: systolic blood pressure (mean difference, MD −8.75 mmHg; 95% CI [−6.51, −10.39]); diastolic blood pressure (MD −8.35 mmHg; 95% CI [−6.25, −10.45]); mean arterial pressure (MD −8.13 mmHg; 95% CI [−6.21, −10.05]); and PR (MD −8.90 mmHg; 95% CI [−5.08, −12.72].ConclusionOn the basis of study findings, home‐based IHG training can be used as an adjunct to control BP in the initial stage of hypertension in an Indian population.

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

“…In three studies, isometric handgrip exercises [ 26 – 28 ] had similar target intensity (30% of maximal voluntary contraction). In one study, isometric wall squat training intensity was controlled by a target heart rate (HR) [ 45 ].…”

“…The HR should be compatible at the end of each stage from the isometric exercise test in visit 1 [ 28 ]. All home-based isometric exercise programs [ 25 , 26 , 28 ], except one handgrip study [ 27 ], showed reductions in blood pressure after interventions with a duration from 4 to 8 weeks (3 day/wk).…”

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

“…Previous studies have reported reductions in resting blood pressure following isometric handgrip training in individuals without hypertension and hypertensive individuals with and without antihypertensive medication compared to a control (Badrov, Bartol, et al, 2013; Cahu Rodrigues et al, 2020; Carlson et al, 2016; Farah et al, 2018; Herrod et al, 2019; Millar et al, 2008, 2013; Ogbutor et al, 2019; Punia & Kulandaivelan, 2020; Ray & Carrasco, 2000; Souza et al, 2020; Taylor et al, 2003). However, other randomized controlled trials have observed no reduction in any resting blood pressure assessments after isometric handgrip training compared to a control group in medicated Stage 2 hypertensive adults (Pagonas et al, 2017; Stiller‐Moldovan et al, 2012).…”

“…Forty‐seven studies reported the chronic changes in resting blood pressure after isometric handgrip training (Ahmed et al, 2019; Allen et al, 2003; Alomari et al, 2010; Baddeley‐White et al, 2019; Badrov, Bartol, et al, 2013; Badrov, Horton, et al, 2013, 2016; Bank et al, 1998; Baross et al, 2017; Bentley et al, 2018; Cahu Rodrigues et al, 2020; Carlson et al, 2016; Correia et al, 2020; Dempster et al, 2018; Dobrosielski et al, 2009; Farah et al, 2018; Gandhi, 2016; Garg et al, 2014; Goessler et al, 2018; Herrod et al, 2019; Hess et al, 2016; Howden et al, 2002; Lara et al, 2015; McGowan et al, 2006; McGowan, Levy, et al, 2007; McGowan, Visocchi, et al, 2007; Millar et al, 2007, 2008, 2013; Mortimer & McKune, 2011; Ogbutor et al, 2019; Okamoto et al, 2020; Pagonas et al, 2017; Peters et al, 2006, Punia & Kulandaivelan, 2020; Ray & Carrasco, 2000; Saito et al, 2009; Sinoway et al, 1996; Somani et al, 2017, 2018; Somers et al, 1992; Souza et al, 2020; Stiller‐Moldovan et al, 2012; Taylor et al, 2003; Wiley et al, 1992; Yamagata & Sako, 2020; Zhang, 2003) (Table 2). In total, 22 studies included a nonexercise control group, three studies included a sham‐control group, one study provided a lifestyle modification program to both treatment and control groups, and 21 studies only had one or multiple isometric handgrip training groups.…”

Efeitos do treinamento resistido dinâmico, isométrico e combinado (Dinâmico + Isométrico) na função e regulação cardiovascular de repouso e pós-exercício em homens hipertensos medicados

“…Interessantemente, todos os 5 estudos conduzidos com mulheres idosas medicadas relataram redução da PA após o TRD (COELHO-JÚNIOR et al, 2018;DANTAS et al, 2016;MOTA et al, 2013;TERRA et al, 2008;TOMELERI et al, 2017) A presente revisão bibliográfica localizou 13 ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados sobre o efeito do treinamento resistido isométrico em hipertensos (BADROV et al, 2013a;CAHU RODRIGUES et al, 2019;CARLSON et al, 2016;FARAH et al, 2018;GORDON et al, 2018;MILLAR et al, 2013;OKAMOTO;HASHIMOTO;KOBAYASHI, 2020;PAGONAS et al, 2017;PALMEIRA et al, 2021;PUNIA;KULANDAIVELAN, 2019;STILLER-MOLDOVAN;TAYLOR et al, 2003TAYLOR et al, , 2018. Doze estudos (92,3%) avaliaram homens e mulheres (BADROV et al, 2013a;CAHU RODRIGUES et al, 2019;CARLSON et al, 2016;FARAH et al, 2018;GORDON et al, 2018;MILLAR et al, 2013 et al, 2013a;CAHU RODRIGUES et al, 2019;CARLSON et al, 2016;FARAH et al, 2018;GORDON et al, 2018;MILLAR et al, 2013;PAGONAS et al, 2017;PALMEIRA et al, 2021;STILLER-MOLDOVAN;TAYLOR et al, 2003) avaliaram hipertensos em uso de medicação e 2 (15,4%) (OKAMOTO; HASHIMOTO; KOBAYASHI, 2020;…”