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The Optimal Dosage of Isometric Handgrip Exercise for Blood Pressure Reduction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Chia-Wei Lin1,2, Ian B Jun2, Vincent Igbo2
1Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.)
|April 1, 2026
Summary
Isometric handgrip (IHG) training effectively lowers blood pressure in both healthy and hypertensive individuals. Evidence suggests a specific protocol for optimal blood pressure reduction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Clinical Hypertension Research
Background:
- Elevated blood pressure is a major global health concern.
- Non-pharmacological interventions are sought for blood pressure management.
- Isometric handgrip (IHG) training is a potential lifestyle modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the dose-response relationship between IHG training and blood pressure.
- To assess the effects of IHG on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
- To identify optimal IHG training parameters for blood pressure reduction.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 studies (905 participants).
- Searched EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases.
- Meta-regression used to explore dose-response relationships for SBP and DBP.
Main Results:
- IHG training significantly reduced SBP (-5.38 mmHg) and DBP (-2.71 mmHg).
- Greater blood pressure reduction observed in hypertensive compared to normotensive groups.
- Lower training intensity (<30% MVIC) and higher frequency (>3-7 days/week) were associated with smaller effects.
Conclusions:
- IHG training is a viable non-pharmacological strategy for managing blood pressure.
- Offers preventive benefits for those at risk of hypertension and therapeutic potential for hypertensive patients.
- An evidence-informed protocol involves 4 sets of 2-min contractions at ≥30% MVIC, ≤3 times/week for ≥8 weeks.
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