Isometric hand grip exercise: Can it be beneficial for cardiovascular health?

Abstract

Introduction: Isometric Hand Grip(IHG) exercise may be of value in maintaining the desired Blood Pressure(BP),Heart Rate(HR) and Capillary Blood Glucose(CBG) in individuals with inability or unwillingness to do conventional aerobic exercises. Contrary to the belief that IHG exercise causes cardiovascular strain, there are some evidences that IHG exercise leads to maintain the cardiovascular parameters. So this study is framed to establish the positive and negative effect in the above mentioned cardiovascular parameters post static exercise. Objective: To determine the immediate effect of graded isometric hand grip exercise on Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure, Heart Rate and Capillary Blood glucose in young healthy adults. Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted on 82 healthy adults aged between 18 to 25 years including both sexes. Subjects having any form of hypertension, other cardio-vascular co-morbidities and any diseases involving wrist joint and palmar diseases are excluded from this study. Systolic and Diastolic Blood pressure, Heart Rate& Capillary Blood Glucose are measured single handedly at resting condition, after 30% Maximum voluntary contractions (MVC), after high load contractions, Post sham, and 1 hour post sham. Result: It is revealed that after 30% MVC and post high load ,SBP and DBP is significantly increased compared to resting condition but after post sham, SBP and DBP is significantly decreased in both sexes.There is no significant change found in 1 hour post sham condition. Heart Rate is increased in 30%MVC and Post Highload condition but in post sham and 1hour post sham condition HR is not decreased significantly. Capillary Blood Glucose(CBG) is increased without any statistical significance in 30% MVC and Post High load condition but significantly decreased in 1 hour post sham condition. Conclusion: IHG Exercise for BP management in normotensive young people is significant. But it may not be useful in the management of Heart Rate and Blood Glucose.