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European Journal of Applied Physiology

Published in:

01-07-2016 | Original Article

Isometric exercise training lowers resting blood pressure and improves local brachial artery flow-mediated dilation equally in men and women

Authors: Mark B. Badrov, Shane R. Freeman, Mary Ann Zokvic, Philip J. Millar, Cheri L. McGowan

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 7/2016

Abstract

Introduction

Isometric resistance training has repeatedly shown to be an effective exercise modality in lowering resting blood pressure (BP), yet associated mechanisms and sex differences in the response to training remain unclear. Exploration into potential sex differences in the response to isometric resistance training is necessary, as it may allow for more optimal and sex-based exercise prescription, thereby maximizing the efficacy of the training intervention.

Purpose

Therefore, we investigated, in normotensives, whether sex differences exist in the response to isometric handgrip (IHG) training.

Methods

Resting BP and endothelium-dependent vasodilation (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation; FMD) were assessed in 11 women (23 ± 4 years) and 9 men (21 ± 2 years) prior to and following 8 weeks of IHG training (four, 2-min unilateral contractions at 30 % of maximal voluntary contraction; 3 days per week).

Results

Main effects of time were observed (all P < 0.05), whereby IHG training reduced systolic BP (Δ 8 ± 6 mmHg), diastolic BP (Δ 2 ± 3 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (Δ 4 ± 3 mmHg), and pulse pressure (Δ 5 ± 7 mmHg), accompanied by increases in absolute (Δ 0.09 ± 0.15 mm) and relative (Δ 2.4 ± 4.1 %) brachial artery FMD; however, no significant sex differences were observed in the magnitude of post-training change in any variable assessed (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

IHG training effectively lowers resting BP and improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in men and women, without significant sex differences in the magnitude of response.

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Title: Isometric exercise training lowers resting blood pressure and improves local brachial artery flow-mediated dilation equally in men and women
Authors: Mark B. Badrov
Shane R. Freeman
Mary Ann Zokvic
Philip J. Millar
Cheri L. McGowan
Publication date: 01-07-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 7/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3366-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Isometric exercise training lowers resting blood pressure and improves local brachial artery flow-mediated dilation equally in men and women

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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