Key result
Isometric handgrip training reduces SBP by ~5 mmHg and improves diastolic pressure.
Why the study?
The study aimed to evaluate the dose-response relationship between isometric handgrip training and blood pressure outcomes in normotensive and hypertensive populations.
Does isometric handgrip training reduce resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive populations?
Does isometric handgrip training reduce resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive populations?
Isometric handgrip training significantly lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with an optimal protocol of 4 sets of 2-min unilateral contractions at ≥30% MVIC performed ≤3 times per week.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Clinicians can recommend isometric handgrip training for BP control; reinforces efficacy across normotensive and hypertensive adults with optimal parameters defined.
The systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to examine the dose‐response relationship between isometric handgrip (IHG) training and blood pressure outcomes in normotensive and hypertensive populations. Three databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL) were searched from inception to June 2025. Thirty‐one studies with 905 participants (51% male) met the criteria. Primary outcomes were resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and RoB‐2. Meta‐regression was used to evaluate dose‐response effects on SBP and DBP. The included studies demonstrated fair to good methodological quality (5.9 ± 1.0). Moderate evidence indicated that IHG reduced SBP (–5.38 mmHg, 95% CI –6.91 to –3.85; p < 0.001; I 2 = 86% and DBP (–2.71 mmHg, 95% CI –3.75 to –1.66; p < 0.001; I 2 = 90%), with greater effects observed in hypertensive compared to normotensive groups. For meta‐regression, lower training intensity protocols (<30% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) yield smaller blood pressure‐lowering effects in both SBP ( p = 0.043) and DBP ( p = 0.032). Higher weekly frequency (e.g., >3 to 7 days/week) was associated with a diminished effect in SBP ( p = 0.032). In conclusion, the IHG training significantly lowers SBP and DBP in both normotensive and hypertensive individuals, offering preventive benefits for normotensive individuals at risk for hypertension and therapeutic potential for hypertensive patients. The evidence‐informed protocol might appear to be four sets of 2‐min unilateral contractions at ≥30 MVIC, performed ≤3 times per week for a minimum of 8 weeks. These findings support IHG as a practical non‐pharmacological strategy for blood pressure management. Registration : PROSPERO number: CRD420251154235
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Lin et al. (2026) studied this question. Isometric handgrip training reduced systolic blood pressure by 5.38 mmHg and diastolic by 2.71 mmHg, with optimal effects at ≥30% maximal contraction performed ≤3 times per week.
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