Isometric Exercise Training: A Review of Hypothesized Mechanisms and Protocol Application in Persons with Hypertension

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(2): 1261-1276, 2021. According to the American Heart Association 116.4 million, or 46% of US adults are estimated to have hypertension. Although, traditional moderate intensity aerobic exercise training is associated with reducing blood pressure by 5-8 mmHg, barriers to this modality of exercise training exist. Thus, the purpose of this review is to evaluate the mechanisms and incorporation of isometric exercise training (IET) as an adjunctive mode of exercise in a population with HTN. Based upon the articles reviewed from the years 2000-2020 which incorporated IET and provided clear protocols lasting 4 or more weeks, meaningful reductions in blood pressure occurred following IET (SBP, -9.7 ± 3.3 mmHg; DBP, -4.8 ± 2.6 mmHg) which support the need to increase adoption of this exercise form into practice to help treat hypertension. Specifically, an IET program of 12-20 minutes per day, 3 times per week, could improve blood pressure reduction in those with hypertension. IET has the potential to produce significant and clinically meaningful blood pressure reductions and could serve as an adjunctive exercise modality alongside the established exercise prescription for those with hypertension.