Masters Thesis

Acute effects of isometric handgrip exercise on blood pressure and autonomic control

The purpose of this study was to assess the acute effects of different isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise protocols on blood pressure (BP) and autonomic control, as well as explore participant perceptions of these exercises. Twenty participants (age: 25 ± 2 years) completed two IHG exercise protocols: (1) four 2-min isometric contractions at 30% MVC with 2-min rest periods, and (2) four 45-s isometric contractions at 50% MVC with 1-min rest periods. BP and HRV were recorded pre-exercise, 5-min post-exercise, and 15-min post-exercise. BP was also recorded during both exercise protocols to measure BP responses after each set of IHG contraction compared to pre-exercise. Participant perceptions of the exercises were explored using a survey with a Likert scale. A main effect of time was observed for SBP and MAP from pre-exercise through 15-min postexercise (P 0.05); no main effect of condition was observed. No main or interaction effects were observed for HRV. A main effect of time was observed for DBP and MAP from pre-exercise to the end of sets 1-4, and for SBP from pre-exercise to the end of sets 2-4 {P 0.05); no main effect of condition was observed for any measure of BP. Surveys showed that preference of protocol varied, with almost half preferring the 30%-MVC protocol (n = 9) and half preferring the 50%-MVC protocol (n = 10). In conclusion, both IHG protocols elicited similar hypotensive effects in the absence of changes in autonomic control. Similar pressor reflexes were elicited during each protocol. The variety of protocol preferences observed may allow for more autonomy when choosing an IHG exercise regimen.

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