Table 3.

Effects of isometric resistance exercise training on hypertension

META-ANALYSISINTERVENTIONOUTCOME AND COMMENTS
Kelley and Kelley,20 2010

  • 3 trials with 81 participants

  • IHG exercise training lasting at least 4 wk

  • Decrease in SBP of 13.4 mm Hg and in DBP of 7.8 mm Hg

  • Limitation in sample size

  • Resistance training was found to be safe

Cornelissen et al,18 2011

  • 82 participants in 3 trials

  • Subgroup analysis of IHG exercise

  • 3 bilateral or unilateral contractions, 2 min long, with a rest period of 1 min between contractions

  • For 8–10 wk, 3 sessions per wk, intensity 30%–40% of 1 MVC

  • IHG showed larger decreases in BP (decrease in SBP of 13.5 mm Hg and in DBP of 7.8 mm Hg) than other modes of training

  • Limitation in sample size

Owen et al,19 2010

  • 5 trials with 122 subjects

  • IHG in bouts of 20 min 3 times per wk for 10 wk

  • Reduction in SBP of 10 mm Hg and in DBP of 7 mm Hg

Cornelissen and Smart,17 2013

  • 5 trials with 150 participants

  • 8–14 wk, 3 sessions per wk at 30%–40% MVC using IHG or leg extension exercise; 4 isometric contractions 2 min in length

  • Reduction in SBP of 10.9 mm Hg and in DBP of 6.2 mm Hg

  • BP—blood pressure, DBP—diastolic BP, IHG—isometric hand grip, MVC—maximal voluntary contraction, SBP—systolic BP.