View Entire Collection
By Clinical Topic
By State Requirement
Diabetes – Summer 2012
Future of Nursing Initiative
Heart Failure - Fall 2011
Influenza - Winter 2011
Nursing Ethics - Fall
View Entire Collection
By Clinical Topic
By State Requirement
Diabetes – Summer 2012
Future of Nursing Initiative
Heart Failure - Fall 2011
Influenza - Winter 2011
Nursing Ethics - Fall 2011
Trauma - Fall 2010
Traumatic Brain Injury - Fall 2010
Fluids & Electrolytes
PURPOSE: Research has demonstrated the efficacy of isometric handgrip (IHG) training to attenuate resting blood pressure. These studies have relied on the use of programmable digital handgrips for training. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of simple, inexpensive spring-loaded handgrip devices in producing hypotensive effects.
METHODS: The study was a randomized controlled trial of 49 normotensive participants (66.4 +/- 0.9 years; 57% women). Participants in the exercise group (n = 25) trained and had blood pressure measured twice weekly for 8 weeks. Control participants (n = 24) completed weekly blood pressure measurements. Pre- and posttraining measurements were each assessed over 3 visits. Statistical analysis of the pre-post data involved analyses of variance and hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine changes over time.
RESULTS: Following 8 weeks, IHG participants demonstrated significant reductions in resting blood pressure. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced from 122 +/- 3 mm Hg to 112 +/- 3 mm Hg (P <.001) and from 70 +/- 1 mm Hg to 67 +/- 1 mm Hg (P <.05), respectively. Hierarchical linear modeling analysis also revealed a significant cross-level (ie, group / time) interaction, with an estimated reduction in systolic blood pressure of 5.4 mm Hg (P <.001) over the training period in the IHG group.
CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with previous studies, IHG training reduced resting arterial pressure following 8 weeks of training. Hypotensive effects linked to IHG training may be achieved using simple, inexpensive spring handgrip training devices and may provide a convenient and affordable therapeutic alternative or adjunctive therapy for lowering blood pressure.
Not a member? Join now for Free!
Sign up for our free enewsletters to stay up-to-date in your area of practice - or take a look at an archive of prior issues
Join our CESaver program to earn up to 100 contact hours for only $34.95
Explore a world of online resources
Back to Top