Validation of a novel multi-exercise approach to isometric resistance training in normotensive adults

Short- to long-term isometric resistance training (IRT) can produce clinically meaningful reductions in resting blood pressure, but established methods are costly or require laboratory access. An affordable method could improve accessibility; however, there is a need to establish efficacy and safety prior to prescription as an alternative IRT method. This study aims to determine whether a novel isometric training band (ITB) can elicit cardiovascular (CV) responses (blood pressure [BP] and heart rate [HR]) comparable with those of established methods.

Fifteen normotensive adults (systolic [sBP]; 120 ± 3 mmHg, diastolic [dBP]; 71 ± 6 mmHg) completed a single 2-min isometric handgrip contraction (IHG) at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) followed by 2-min contractions for four individual ITB exercises at a self-determined intensity to replicate perceived exertion (CR-10) during IHG. A further 15 normotensive participants (sBP; 118 ± 6 mmHg, dBP; 68 ± 7 mmHg) completed bouts of IRT (IHG, 4 × 2 min at 30% MVC; ITB, 4 × 2 min at imposed CR-10 values [4-5]), with CV responses compared between bouts.

No differences in BP responses were detected between IHG and each ITB exercise (P > 0.05). CR-10 values and HRs were comparable between the individual IHG contraction and three ITB exercises (P > 0.05). Between bouts, regulating contraction intensity through imposed CR-10 values resulted in comparable BP responses (P > 0.05).

These findings suggest that a novel ITB and associated protocol may serve as versatile, inclusive, and accessible alternative method for performing IRT.