Mohammed Jeelani1, Mohammad Muzammil Ahmed2
INTRODUCTION: Isometric exercise is a normal part of everyday activities and many occupational tasks. Preventive services are important as they give physicians an opportunity and responsibility to promote regular physical activity, reduce high blood pressure, and help in weight control. Physical inactivity is recognized as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Regular aerobic physical activity increases exercise capacity and plays a role in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of isometric handgrip training on Blood pressure and Heart rate in healthy young males in the age group of 18-22 years.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: Study subjects consisted of 30 healthy adult males in the age group of 18-22 yrs. Age and sex matched adults who were not active in sports or in physical activities constituted the control group (n=30). Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded and evaluated after a defined protocol of handgrip sustained static (isometric) contractions performed with the handgrip dynamometer at Rest and Post Exercise. BP and HR were recorded with the help of automated blood pressure monitor and power lab 8/30 series instrument available in the Department of Physiology, Navodaya Medical college, Raichur.
RESULTS: There was no change in Resting Blood pressure and Heart rate between the subject and control group before the training sessions. There was significant decrease in resting Blood pressure and Heart rate in trained subject group when compared to untrained control group after 5 weeks of training sessions.
CONCLUSION: Isometric hand grip training is effective in lowering arterial pressure in normotensive subjects. Isometric training may be an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.
