Effect of isometric exercise on resting blood pressure: a meta analysis.
Dynamic physical exercise (walking, swimming, and so on) is an important component of lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure; however, many individuals are unwilling or unable to adopt this lifestyle change. Isometric exercise has not traditionally been recommended as an alternative to dynamic exercise and has not been well studied. A meta-analysis of controlled trials of isometric exercise on resting blood pressure was therefore undertaken. Five trials were identified including a total of 122 subjects. Isometric exercise for <1 h per week reduced systolic blood pressure by 10.4 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 6.7 mm Hg. These changes are similar to those achieved with a single pharmacological agent. These results suggest that isometric exercise may be of value as part of lifestyle advice in maintaining a desirable blood pressure.
Owen
A
A
Department of Cardiology, Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, UK. andrew.owen@abm-tr.wales.nhs.uk
Wiles
J
J
Swaine
I
I
D001794:Blood Pressure; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012146:Rest; D016896:Treatment Outcome