The effects of performing isometric training at two exercise intensities in healthy young males

No previous studies have examined the effects of isometric training intensity upon resting blood pressure (BP). The aims of this study were (a) to compare the effects of leg isometric training, performed at two intensities, upon resting systolic-SBP, diastolic-DBP and mean arterial-MAP BP; and (b) to examine selected cardiovascular variables, in an attempt to explain any changes in resting BP following training. Thirty-three participants were randomly allocated to either control, high- (HI) or low-intensity (LI) training for 8 weeks. Participants performed 4 x 2 min exercise bouts 3x weekly. Resting BP was measured at baseline, 4-weeks and post-training. SBP, DBP and MAP fell significantly in both groups after training. Changes were -5.2 +/- 4.0, -2.6 +/- 2.9 and -2.5 +/- 2.2 mmHg [HI]; -3.7 +/- 3.7, -2.5 +/- 4.8 and -2.6 +/- 2.5 mmHg [LI] for SBP, DBP and MAP, respectively. There were no significant changes in BP at 4 weeks. No significant changes were observed in any of the other cardiovascular variables examined. These findings suggest that isometric training causes reductions in SBP, DBP and MAP at a range of exercise intensities, when it is performed over 8 weeks. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce resting BP using a much lower isometric exercise intensity than has previously been shown.