The Effects of a Single Bout of Isometric Handgrip Exercise on Nighttime Blood Pressure in Young Normotensive Males and Females

Abstract

This thesis investigated whether an acute bout of evening isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise can cause changes in ambulatory blood pressure. Our randomized crossover trial analyzed 16 young, healthy normotensives following either control or IHG visits. During their IHG visit, the participants performed four 2-minute unilateral isometric contractions (2 contractions on each side) at 30% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) before bedtime. No significant differences were observed in the magnitude of the nighttime dip in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), or mean arterial pressure (MAP) between the two visits. There were trends towards a lower 24-hour SBP and post-IHG ambulatory SBP during the IHG visit, but not in the DBP and MAP. In conclusion, a single evening IHG bout did not cause a significant reduction in the nighttime blood pressure dip of normotensives. However, there was evidence for a potential reduction in 24-hour and post-IHG ambulatory SBP.