Isometric exercise training may be more effective  at blood pressure management than high intensity interval training

1. When compared to high intensity interval training (HIIT), isometric exercise training (IET) produced greater reductions in resting systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure (BP).

2. Furthermore, HIIT reduced resting heart rate significantly more than IET.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

There are currently many limitations regarding medication usage to reduce blood pressure (BP) which has sparked an increase utilization of non-pharmacological strategies. Recently, both isometric exercise training (IET) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) have been found to be efficient modes of exercise which have produced significant reductions in blood pressure measurements. However, there is currently a lack of evidence comparing the efficacy of these modalities. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis seeks to investigate both the individual and combined effects of IET and HIIT on BP.

From 5220 screened articles, 38 studies (n=672 IET and n=911 HIIT) were included from January 2000 to September 2020. Studies were included if they evaluated the effects of either IET or HIIT (for a period of 2-12 weeks) on blood pressure. Participants had no limitations to health or baseline BP status. Risk of bias was evaluated using the TESTEX scale. Random-effects meta-analysis was run for IET and HIIT on BP.

Results demonstrated that IET produced greater reductions in resting systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure compared to HIIT. However, HIIT reduced resting heart rate significantly more than IET. The present study was limited by significant heterogeneity for all BP outcomes for both IET and HIIT. However, this may have been mitigated by the utilization of a random-effects model. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the efficacy of both interventions on lowering BP.

Click to read the study in British Journal of Sports Medicine

Image: PD

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