Effect of home-based isometric handgrip training on vascular function in middle-aged women with elevated pulse pressure

Background: Wide pulse pressure (PP) is a significant predictor of cardiovascular events. Isometric handgrip exercise (IHG) is a form of exercise used to manage blood pressure (BP). However, research on its effects in individuals with abovenormal pulse pressure remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of a home-IHG program on arterial stiffness and blood pressure in middle-aged individuals with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension and elevated PP. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight participants were randomly assigned to either the IHG group (IHG, N=14) or the control group (CON, N=14). The IHG group performed IHG at 30% of their maximum voluntary contraction, using a modified mercury sphygmomanometer as the exercise device, 3 times/week, for 8 weeks. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and BP were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The results demonstrated an improvement in vascular function following IHG implementation, indicated by a significant decrease in baPWV in the IHG group compared with the control group (IHG: 1240±121 cm/s vs CON: 1365±159 cm/s; p<0.05). IHG also significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared with the control group (IHG: 119.86±5.26 mmHg vs CON: 131.21±3.64 mmHg; p<0.05). Moreover, changes in baPWV were positively correlated with changes in SBP (r=0.65, p<0.001) and PP (r=0.52, p<0.01). Conclusion: An 8-week home-based IHG program using a mercury sphygmomanometer for training reduced BP and arterial stiffness in middle-aged women with elevated PP.