Isometric and Dynamic Handgrip Training Effects on Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent diseases leading to morbidity and mortality, affecting millions of people every year. Pharmaceutical management is the main treatment method used. Exercise therapy mainly isometrics and dynamic handgrip exercises provide a non pharmacological management leading to decrease in symptoms. The association of hypertension with physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and occupational exposure to chemicals, obesity, older age, genetics, being overweight or obese, not being physically active, ,high-salt diet, job insecurity, job loss, and the psychosocial work environment and drinking too much alcohol. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco, and being more active can help lower blood pressure. Hypertension rates are strongly associated with age. Acute effects of isometric and dynamic handgrip exercise on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive subjects are numerous . They may also have some adverse effects on the cardiorespiratory system, particularly, through the elevation of blood pressure. Since an acute bout of exercise can transiently improve cardiovascular endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and ambulatory blood pressure. The dynamic handgrip exercise is performed by repetitive contraction and relaxation of the hand at a maximum frequency. In order to determine the intensity of handgrip exercises, maximum isometric handgrip strength of the right and left hand was measured with a handgrip dynamometer. Isometric exercises differ from dynamic exercises because in this there is no change in muscle length or static force. Single handgrip exercise could reduce the blood pressure for couple of hours so a patient can perform this exercise several times a day if not being fatigue.