Effect of a home-based isometric handgrip training programme on systolic blood pressure in adults: A randomised assessor-blinded trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of 20 weeks of home-based isometric handgrip training (IHT) compared with usual care on systolic blood pressure (SBP) in adults.Design and participantsThis was a randomised, controlled, assessor-blinded trial. Participants were randomised to either IHT (intervention group) or usual care (control group).InterventionsParticipants randomised to the intervention group performed a session of 16 min of effective workout home-based IHT three times per week for 20 weeks. Participants randomised to the control group were asked to continue their daily activities as usual.OutcomesThe primary outcome was the difference in SBP between groups over 20 weeks. Secondary outcomes were diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, handgrip strength, and self-administered home blood pressure measures.ResultsForty-eight adults (mean [SD] age, 64 [8] years) were included in this trial. The adjusted between-group mean difference in SBP was 8.12 mmHg (95% CI 0.24 to 16.01, p = 0.04) - favouring the usual care group. No differences between groups were found in any of the home blood pressure measurements.ConclusionsThis trial showed that 20 weeks of home-based isometric handgrip training was not superior compared to the usual care in lowering SBP.