Isometric Resistance Training Very Safe For Patients With High Blood Pressure: Study

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that affects 1.13 billion people worldwide. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Yet many people with high blood pressure don’t realize they are living with it. Therefore, people over 18 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every two years.

Exercise is considered an effective strategy to reduce the global prevalence and severity of high blood pressure. Aerobic and dynamic resistance exercise are the most recommended when it comes to improving heart health. But have you heard of isometric resistance training (IRT)?

A new study by researchers at UNSW Medicine & Health has described ESRD as an effective way to lower blood pressure.

What is isometric resistance training?

Isometric training is a type of strength training that recruits muscle and exerts tension without actually lengthening or shortening the muscle.

For example, the plank, the leaning against the wall press and the static lunge are isometric exercises where the muscles produce strength but do not change in length, unlike traditional strength training like a squat or push up. where muscles shorten and lengthen during movement.

However, isometric resistance training is not recommended for the management of high blood pressure in many international guidelines regarding safety concerns. This is because the static nature of IRT is believed to cause a marked increase in blood pressure during exercise, especially when performed with large muscle groups or at high intensity, compared to traditional strength exercises. such as lifting weights or aerobic exercises such as walking or cycling.