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Hemodynamic responses to an isometric handgrip training protocol.
Claudio Gil Soares de Araújo1, Carlos Vieira Duarte, Fábio de Albuquerque Gonçalves
1Clínica de Medicina do Exercício, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. cgil@cardiol.br
Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|October 21, 2011
Summary
Isometric handgrip training (IHT) is safe and well-tolerated in patients undergoing exercise programs. This training protocol shows modest, transient hemodynamic effects without adverse reactions, supporting its clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Isometric handgrip training (IHT) was previously contraindicated for heart disease patients.
- Emerging evidence indicates IHT favorably impacts autonomic modulation and reduces resting blood pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess hemodynamic responses during IHT in patients within a supervised exercise program.
- To support the broad clinical applicability of IHT.
Main Methods:
- Forty-one patients (36 men) performed IHT (4 sets, 2 min at 30% max strength).
- Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured pre-exercise, during, and post-IHT.
- Measurements utilized electrocardiogram and a validated digital oscillometric tensiometer.
Main Results:
- IHT was well-tolerated with no adverse clinical events.
- A modest increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 16 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 7 mmHg was observed (p <0.05).
- Heart rate (HR) increased slightly by 3 bpm (p <0.05).
Conclusions:
- IHT is safe and well-tolerated in patients participating in exercise programs.
- The hemodynamic effects of IHT are transient and modest.
- IHT does not induce rapid cardiac vagal inactivation, unlike shorter dynamic exercises.
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