Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of isometric handgrip (IHG) training on central and peripheral blood pressure (BP) and wave reflections in East Asian non-medicated middle-aged and older adults.
Methods: Twenty-two men and women (mean age 65 ± 11 years) who were not actively involved in regular resistance or endurance training were randomly assigned to a group that did IHG and a control (CON) group. The IHG training was comprised of four unilateral 2-min isometric contractions at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction using a programmed handgrip dynamometer with 1-min rest periods for 5 days per week for 8 weeks.
Results: Baseline central systolic BP (cSBP), brachial systolic BP (bSBP), brachial diastolic BP (bDBP), and the augmentation index (AIx) (via an automated applanation tonometric system) did not differ significantly between the groups. Compared to baseline, cSBP, bSBP, bDBP, and AIx decreased significantly after the 8-week study period in the IHG group (P < 0.05). No significant changes in central and peripheral BP and AIx were observed in the CON group.
Conclusions: These results suggest that IHG training could reduce central and peripheral BP and wave reflections in East Asian non-medicated middle-aged and older adults.
Keywords: Augmentation index; Blood pressure; Cardiovascular disease; Handgrip training; Non-pharmacological therapy.