Isometric Exercise and Blood Pressure
New research highlights effectiveness of isometric exercises for blood pressure improvement.
Isometric exercises are especially effective at reducing resting blood pressure, according to a study reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2023; doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-106503). Canterbury Christ Church University researchers in London, United Kingdom, systematically reviewed multiple studies and meta-analyzed the results based on findings from 270 randomized controlled trials with a total of 15,827 participants. Various exercise training modes—aerobic exercise, resistance training, HIIT—improve resting blood pressure. Isometric exercises like wall squats and aerobic exercise like running were the most effective for reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Study authors recommend that new exercise guidelines be developed for the prevention and treatment of arterial hypertension.
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
