Isometric exercise training reduced resting systolic blood pressure by 6.72 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.72 mmHg compared to control in adults across diverse health statuses.
Meta-Analysis (n=1,693)
Yes
Does isometric exercise training reduce resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults?
Isometric exercise, particularly wall squats performed three times weekly for over 8 weeks, significantly reduces resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, representing a valuable adjunctive non-pharmacological strategy.
Effect estimate: Systolic BP reduction WMD -6.72 mmHg; Diastolic BP reduction WMD -2.72 mmHg (95% CI SBP 95% CI -8.21 to -5.23; DBP 95% CI -3.57 to -1.87)
p-value: p=<0.0001
Background Although numerous studies have investigated the influence of isometric exercise on the management of resting blood pressure, consistent conclusions have not been reached. This study aims to assess the effect of isometric exercise on resting blood pressure regulation and to identify the key parameters of an effective training protocol through subgroup analysis, thereby providing a scientific foundation for individualized exercise prescriptions. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across the PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. The search cutoff date was set for September 7, 2025. Emphasis was placed on randomized controlled trials published in the past decade. Results A total of 40 randomized controlled trials were included. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that isometric training significantly reduced SBP (WMD, −6.72; 95% CI, −8.21 to −5.23, p 0.0001, I 2 = 74%) and DBP (WMD, −2.72; 95% CI, −3.57 to −1.87, p 0.0001, I 2 = 48%). Regression analysis revealed no significant influencing factors. Subgroup analyses suggested that, within the analyzed studies, larger reductions in blood pressure were observed in trials implementing wall squat exercises three times per week for a duration exceeding 8 weeks, particularly among males and hypertensive populations. The intensity associated with the largest effect size differed between systolic (85% HR peak) and diastolic (95% HR peak) blood pressure. Conclusion Isometric exercise, particularly wall squats performed three times weekly for over 8 weeks, is associated with significant reductions in resting blood pressure. The greatest benefits were observed in males and hypertensive individuals. While higher intensities (e.g., 85–95% HR peak) are effective, the preferable intensity may differ between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and should be individualized. This training represents a valuable adjunctive therapeutic strategy. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251171800 , Identifier CRD 420251171800.
Yan et al. (Mon,) conducted a meta-analysis in Adults aged 18-71 including healthy, sedentary, pre-hypertensive, hypertensive, and peripheral artery disease individuals undergoing isometric exercise training (n=1,693). Isometric exercise training (including handgrip, wall squat, bilateral leg training) vs. Non-intervention or usual care was evaluated on Change in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Systolic BP reduction WMD -6.72 mmHg; Diastolic BP reduction WMD -2.72 mmHg, 95% CI SBP 95% CI -8.21 to -5.23; DBP 95% CI -3.57 to -1.87, p=<0.0001). Isometric exercise training reduced resting systolic blood pressure by 6.72 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.72 mmHg compared to control in adults across diverse health statuses.