Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Responses to Sustained Static (Isometric) Contractions by Handgrip Dynamometry in Three Trimesters of Pregnancy

Objective: To measure the blood pressure and heart rate responses at various intensities, in three trimesters of pregnancy to the sustained isometric exercises, by handgrip dynamometry and comparing the results with the controls. Materials and methods: subjects - 20 healthy pregnant women, Controls - 20 non-pregnant healthy women. Subjects were followed for three trimesters. Blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated with handgrip dynamometer at Rest, 20% and 30% intensities of maximum voluntary contraction and Post Exercise. Blood pressure and Heart rate were recorded with the help of Sphygmomanometer, Stethoscope, and ECG machine. Results: Blood pressure and heart rate increased more during sustained handgrip exercise in Subjects than the Controls. At rest and during static exercise blood pressure reduced in First, Second and increased in Third trimesters, compared to controls. At rest and during static exercise heart rate increased in First, Second trimesters and Third trimester displayed steady levels when compared to the controls. Maximum voluntary contraction in the Controls was higher than the Subjects. Conclusion: Sustained isometric exercise produces an increase in hemodynamics during different trimesters of pregnancy.