Isometric handgrip training reduced systolic blood pressure by 5.38 mmHg and diastolic by 2.71 mmHg, with optimal effects at ≥30% maximal contraction performed ≤3 times per week.
Does isometric handgrip training reduce resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive populations?
Isometric handgrip training significantly lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with an optimal protocol of 4 sets of 2-min unilateral contractions at ≥30% MVIC performed ≤3 times per week.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
ABSTRACT The systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to examine the dose‐response relationship between isometric handgrip (IHG) training and blood pressure outcomes in normotensive and hypertensive populations. Three databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL) were searched from inception to June 2025. Thirty‐one studies with 905 participants (51% male) met the criteria. Primary outcomes were resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and RoB‐2. Meta‐regression was used to evaluate dose‐response effects on SBP and DBP. The included studies demonstrated fair to good methodological quality (5.9 ± 1.0). Moderate evidence indicated that IHG reduced SBP (–5.38 mmHg, 95% CI –6.91 to –3.85; p 3 to 7 days/week) was associated with a diminished effect in SBP ( p = 0.032). In conclusion, the IHG training significantly lowers SBP and DBP in both normotensive and hypertensive individuals, offering preventive benefits for normotensive individuals at risk for hypertension and therapeutic potential for hypertensive patients. The evidence‐informed protocol might appear to be four sets of 2‐min unilateral contractions at ≥30 MVIC, performed ≤3 times per week for a minimum of 8 weeks. These findings support IHG as a practical non‐pharmacological strategy for blood pressure management. Registration : PROSPERO number: CRD420251154235
Lin et al. (Wed,) reported a other. Isometric handgrip training reduced systolic blood pressure by 5.38 mmHg and diastolic by 2.71 mmHg, with optimal effects at ≥30% maximal contraction performed ≤3 times per week.