Isometric exercise training reduced resting systolic blood pressure by 6.72 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.72 mmHg compared to control in adults across diverse health statuses.
Meta-Analysis (n=1,693)
Yes
Does isometric exercise training reduce resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults?
L'exercice isométrique, en particulier les squats muraux réalisés trois fois par semaine pendant plus de 8 semaines, réduit significativement la pression artérielle systolique et diastolique au repos, représentant une stratégie non pharmacologique adjuvante précieuse.
Effect estimate: Systolic BP reduction WMD -6.72 mmHg; Diastolic BP reduction WMD -2.72 mmHg (95% CI SBP 95% CI -8.21 to -5.23; DBP 95% CI -3.57 to -1.87)
p-value: p=<0.0001
Background Although numerous studies have investigated the influence of isometric exercise on the management of resting blood pressure, consistent conclusions have not been reached. This study aims to assess the effect of isometric exercise on resting blood pressure regulation and to identify the key parameters of an effective training protocol through subgroup analysis, thereby providing a scientific foundation for individualized exercise prescriptions. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across the PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. The search cutoff date was set for September 7, 2025. Emphasis was placed on randomized controlled trials published in the past decade. Results A total of 40 randomized controlled trials were included. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that isometric training significantly reduced SBP (WMD, −6.72; 95% CI, −8.21 to −5.23, p 0.0001, I 2 = 74%) and DBP (WMD, −2.72; 95% CI, −3.57 to −1.87, p 0.0001, I 2 = 48%). Regression analysis revealed no significant influencing factors. Subgroup analyses suggested that, within the analyzed studies, larger reductions in blood pressure were observed in trials implementing wall squat exercises three times per week for a duration exceeding 8 weeks, particularly among males and hypertensive populations. The intensity associated with the largest effect size differed between systolic (85% HR peak) and diastolic (95% HR peak) blood pressure. Conclusion Isometric exercise, particularly wall squats performed three times weekly for over 8 weeks, is associated with significant reductions in resting blood pressure. The greatest benefits were observed in males and hypertensive individuals. While higher intensities (e.g., 85–95% HR peak) are effective, the preferable intensity may differ between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and should be individualized. This training represents a valuable adjunctive therapeutic strategy. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251171800 , Identifier CRD 420251171800.
Yan et al. (Mon,) ont réalisé une méta-analyse chez des adultes âgés de 18 à 71 ans, y compris des individus sains, sédentaires, pré-hypertendus, hypertendus et souffrant de maladies artérielles périphériques, participant à un entraînement d'exercice isométrique (n=1 693). L'entraînement d'exercice isométrique (y compris la prise, le squat au mur, l'entraînement des jambes bilatérales) par rapport à la non-intervention ou aux soins habituels a été évalué sur le changement de la pression artérielle systolique et diastolique au repos (réduction de la PAS WMD -6,72 mmHg ; réduction de la PAD WMD -2,72 mmHg, IC 95 % PAS IC 95 % -8,21 à -5,23 ; PAD IC 95 % -3,57 à -1,87, p=<0,0001). L'entraînement d'exercice isométrique a réduit la pression artérielle systolique au repos de 6,72 mmHg et la pression artérielle diastolique de 2,72 mmHg par rapport au groupe témoin chez des adultes de divers statuts de santé.