Isometric Resistance Training to Manage Hypertension: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

<p><b>Purpose of Review</b> Hypertension is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease and adequate blood pressure control is often elusive. The objective of this work was to conduct a meta-analysis of trial data of isometric resistance training (IRT) studies in people with hypertension, to establish if IRT produced an anti-hypertensive effect. A database search (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and MEDLINE) identified randomised controlled and crossover trials of IRT versus a sedentary or sham control group in adults with hypertension.</p><p><b>Recent Findings</b>We included 12 studies (14 intervention groups) in the meta-analyses, with an aggregate of 415 participants. IRT reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean difference (MD) - 7.47 mmHg (95%CI - 10.10, - 4.84), <i>P</i> < 0.01; diastolic blood pressure (DBP) MD - 3.17 mmHg (95%CI - 5.29, - 1.04), <i>P</i> < 0.01; and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) MD - 7.19 mmHg (95%CI - 9.06, - 5.32), <i>P</i> < 0.0001. Office pulse pressure and resting heart rate was not significantly reduced, neither were 24-h or day-time ambulatory blood pressures (SBP, DBP). Night-time blood pressures, however, were significantly reduced with SBP MD - 4.28 mmHg (95%CI - 7.88, - 0.67), <i>P</i> = 0.02, and DBP MD - 2.22 mmHg (95%CI - 3.55, - 0.88), <i>P</i> < 0.01.</p><p> <b>Summary</b> IRT does lower SBP, DBP and MAP office and night-time ambulatory SBP and DBP, but not 24-h mean ambulatory blood pressures in people with hypertension.</p>