Effect of Isometric Handgrip Exercise Training on Resting Blood Pressure in Normal Healthy Adults

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to study the effect of isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise training on resting blood pressure in normal healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hand grip spring dynamometer was used for IHG exercise training. A total of 30 normal healthy volunteers in the age group of 20-40 y were enrolled for the study. Exercise training protocol consisted of five 3-min bouts of IHG exercise at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction separated by 5 min rest periods. Exercise was performed 3 times/wk for 10 wk. Subject's blood pressure was measured before and after exercise. RESULT: There was a significant reduction in resting blood pressure following 10 wk of exercise training. Both Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure reduced significantly (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: IHG exercise training might be a simple, effective, inexpensive and non-pharmacological method in lowering blood pressure.