A randomized controlled trial comparing home-based isometric handgrip exercise versus endurance training for blood pressure management

Abstract

Aerobic endurance exercise (AEX) is an effective treatment in the prevention and management of high blood pressure (BP). Growing evidence suggests potential benefits from isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise, which may promote similar or even larger reductions in BP than AEX. We compared the effects of home-based AEX and home-based IHG on BP. Sixty healthy individuals (31 men; mean age, 33.1 years; mean BP, 126.9 ± 1.6/84.7 ± 1.1 mm Hg) were randomized to IHG, AEX, or a control group. Both exercise interventions were performed in the home environment. The IHG group performed daily 4 × 2 minutes sustained grips at 30% of maximal volitional contraction. Participants in the AEX group were advised to perform at least 150 min/wk of aerobic exercise at moderate intensity. Outcome measurements were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks of follow-up. Compared with the control group, AEX resulted in a larger reduction in ambulatory BP; both AEX and IHG exercise tended to induce larger reductions in office systolic BP, and office diastolic BP was significantly more reduced after AEX but not IHG exercise. Responses to training were not significantly different between both the exercise interventions. Eight weeks of home-based AEX results in significant reductions in both ambulatory BP and office BP in healthy adults, whereas IHG reduces only office BP.