Isometric handgrip training does not improve quality of life in hypertensives

Abstract

Hypertensive patients have high blood pressure and poor cardiovascular health and it is known that hypertension negatively affects people's health-related quality of life. Meta-analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training (IHT) reduces blood pressure in hypertensives, but the effects of IHT on health-related quality of life is unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypotheses that the IHT improves health-related quality of life in hypertensives. In this randomized controlled trial, 48 hypertensive individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: IHT and control. IHT was completed thrice weekly (4 × 2 min at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction). Before and after 12 weeks health-related quality of life was assessment through Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 (SF36). No signi?cant effect was observed for physical function (IHT: 85.6±4.6 vs. 81.1±7.2; Control: 78.6±76.7±4.9), physical problems (IHT: 71.4±10.1vs. 83.9±8.1; Control: 73.8±8.2 vs. 64.3±8.0), general health (IHT: 56.1±3.7 vs. 57.1±1.9; Control: 54.3±1.6 vs. 57.6±2.1), pain (IHT: 23.6±4.6 vs. 30.7±5.8; Control: 32.9±4.5 vs. 31.9±4.3), social aspects (IHT: 46.4±3.6 vs. 50.0±2.3; Control: 48.8±2.7 vs. 48.8±1.7), emotional problems (IHT: 85.7±8.4 vs. 92.9±5.2; Control: 79.4±7.8 vs. 71.4±6.6), mental health (IHT: 61.7±2.8 vs. 58.0±2.5; Control: 54.5±2.4 ± 55.6±1.9), and vitality (IHT: 60.0±4.3 vs. 58.6±4.0; Control: 50.7±2.9 vs. 53.6±3.0) after 12-weeks of supervised IHT (p>0.05 for all). In conclusion, 12-weeks of IHT does not improve health-related quality of life in hypertensives. Therefore, in order to improve quality of life, other exercises should be an indicator for hypertensive patients.