Effects of Isometric Handgrip Training on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Individuals Over 18 Years Old

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of isometric handgrip training (IHT) on ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in individuals aged 18 yr and older. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in Medline and Web of Science, encompassing studies published until July 2023, as well as the gray literature. We calculated the mean difference (MD) and 95% CI using an inverse variance method with a random effects model. SUMMARY: Considering both published and unpublished studies, we observed an effect of IHT on awake diastolic BP (MD = -2.02; 95% CI, -3.89 to -0.15 mmHg; P = .03). There were no significant effects on 24-hr systolic BP (MD = -1.31; 95% CI, -3.84 to 1.22 mmHg; P = .31), asleep systolic BP (MD = -0.84; 95% CI, -3.31 to 1.63 mmHg; P = .50), awake systolic BP (MD = -0.93: 95% CI, -3.10 to 1.23 mmHg; P = .40), 24-hr diastolic BP (MD = -0.96; 95% CI, -2.65 to 0.74 mmHg; P = .27), or asleep diastolic BP (MD = -1.27; 95% CI, -3.22 to 0.67 mmHg; P = .20). In conclusion, the effects of IHT on ambulatory BP were observed primarily in awake diastolic BP among individuals over 18 yr of age.