Effect of Isometric Resistance Training on Blood Pressure Values in a Group of Normotensive Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Context: Cardiovascular diseases cause 17 million deaths annually worldwide, of which hypertension is responsible for 9.4 million and a 7% burden of disease. High blood pressure is responsible for 45% of deaths from heart disease and 51% of deaths from stroke. Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the effect of isometric resistance training on systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (SBP, DBP, and MAP, respectively) values in normotensive adult participants. Data Sources: This study was registered with the PROSPERO database. Eligible studies were identified after performing a systematic search within the following databases: PubMed, Scielo, BioMed Central, Clinical Trials, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EBSCO. Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials that categorized participants as normotensive according to the guidelines of the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology were included. Study Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Level of Evidence: Level 1. Data Extraction: Data related to participant characteristics, exercise programs, level of evidence, risk of bias, Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template, and outcomes of interest were systematically reviewed independently by 2 authors. Results: A total of 6 randomized controlled trials were included. The following reductions in blood pressure (compared with the control group) were generated by isometric resistance training: SBP (mean difference [MD], −2.83 mm Hg; 95% CI, −3.95 to −1.72; P < 0.00001), DBP (MD, −2.73; 95% CI, −4.23 to −1.24; P = 0.0003), and MAP (MD, −3.07; 95% CI, −5.24 to −0.90; P = 0.005). Conclusion: It appears that isometric resistance training reduces SBP, DBP, and MAP in normotensive young adults in a statistically significant and clinically relevant manner. This type of exercise could be considered effective in preventing arterial hypertension.