Evaluation of Cardiovascular Response to Isometric Handgrip Exercise in Obese Individuals

Background The variability in hemodynamic responses to isometric handgrip exercise in people with different body mass indices (BMIs) is noteworthy due to the frequent incidence of hypertension, obesity, and related cardiovascular illnesses in India. This investigation may be necessary to anticipate and prevent excessive heart strain during static activities. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of isometric handgrip exercise on cardiorespiratory responses in an Indian population with varying BMI levels. The objective was to compare the cardiovascular responses of obese and non-obese individuals to an isometric handgrip exercise test (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, rate pressure product, and mean arterial pressure). Methodology This study was conducted from April 2021 to October 2022. Measurements were obtained using a pedestal-style weighing scale with a maximum capacity of 120 kg and an accuracy of 100 g at the Department of Physiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna. Sphygmomanometer was used for measuring blood pressure, and a stopwatch was used to time the duration of each prolonged isometric contraction performed by the participants using a handgrip dynamometer. Baseline measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and heart rate variability were done during the final three minutes of the rest phase and once more throughout the 10-minute recovery period that followed the isometric handgrip exercise. Results The average heart rate increased during the isometric handgrip exercise in the obese group (13.02 ± 1.88 beats per minute). Systolic blood pressure increased by 16.40 ± 2.65 mmHg and 23.66 ± 3.14 mmHg in the obese group and the normal weight group, respectively. The diastolic blood pressure increased similarly in the overweight and normal weight groups, measuring 18.64 ± 3.63 mmHg and 12.14 ± 1.95 mmHg, respectively. Furthermore, the mean blood pressure increased by 20.45 ± 3.13 mmHg and 13.67 ± 1.64 mmHg, respectively, both in the normal and overweight groups. Conclusions Obese individuals had greater resting heart rates, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure than non-obese individuals. Following an isometric handgrip workout, non-obese individuals reported greater increases in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure than obese individuals.