Journal of Hypertension — Smart NA, Way D, Carlson D, et al. | September 05, 2019
Researchers analyzed evidence from controlled trials reporting the influence of at least 3 weeks of isometric resistance training (IRT) on resting systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), via a systematic exploration and individual participant data (IPD) analysis using both a one-step and two-step approach. Overall 12 studies (14 intervention group comparisons) including 326 participants (52.7% medicated for hypertension) were included. In the IPD (one-step) meta-analysis, a decrease in resting SBP of −6.22 mmHg; DBP of −2.78 mmHg; and MAP of −4.12 mmHg was evident in correlation with exercise. Using two-step approach, similar results were produced for change in SBP −7.35 mmHg, DBP MD −3.29 mmHg and MAP MD −4.63 mmHg. There was no influence of clinical, medication, or demographic participant features, or exercise program features on the IRT treatment effect in the sub-analysis. Overall, IRT had a confirmed effect on resting SBP, DBP and MAP, which was clinically meaningful and statistically significant.
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