Isometric training lowers resting blood pressure and modulates autonomic control.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the effects of isometric handgrip training on resting arterial blood pressure, heart rate variability, and blood pressure variability in older adults with hypertension.


METHODS
Nine subjects performed four 2-min isometric handgrip contractions at 30% of the maximum voluntary contraction force, 3 d.wk(-1) for 10 wk, and eight subjects served as controls.


RESULTS
After training, there was a significant reduction in resting systolic pressure and mean arterial pressure. In addition, power spectral analysis of heart rate variability demonstrated that the low frequency: high frequency area ratio tended to decrease.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that isometric training at a moderate intensity elicits a hypotensive response and a simultaneous increase in vagal modulation in older adults with hypertension.
Taylor
Andrea C
AC
Departments of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
McCartney
Neil
N
Kamath
Markad V
MV
Wiley
Ronald L
RL
D000368:Aged; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000628:therapy*; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome