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Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(3): 174-180
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268473
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Isometric Handgrip Protocol on Blood Pressure and Neurocardiac Modulation

P. J. Millar1 , M. J. MacDonald1 , N. McCartney1
  • 1Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Publication History

accepted after revision October 26, 2010

Publication Date:
16 December 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Isometric handgrip (IHG) remains a well-studied cardiovascular and autonomic stimulus, however the effects of rhythmic IHG protocols remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of 4 IHG protocols on blood pressure (BP) and neurocardiac reactivity and recovery responses. 12 healthy older participants (70±5 yrs, ♀=4) each completed 4 bilateral 12-min protocols (sham, IHG1, IHG2, IHG3) on separate visits. IHG1, IHG2, and IHG3 consisted of 4×2-min, 8×1-min, and 16×30-s isometric contractions, respectively, each completed at 30% MVC, while sham consisted of 4×2-min contractions completed at 3% MVC. BP and neurocardiac modulation were assessed during and following each protocol. Systolic BP (SBP) reactivity was increased during IHG1 compared to IHG2 (p<0.05), IHG3 (p<0.05), and sham (p<0.01), although during recovery delta SBP was lower following IHG1 (p<0.01), IHG2 (p<0.01), and IHG3 (p<0.05), compared to sham. Sample entropy, a measure of nonlinear heart rate variability was reduced during IHG1 (p<0.01) and IHG2 (p<0.05), while increased following IHG1 (p<0.05) and IHG3 (p<0.05), compared to sham. In conclusion, recovery responses from rhythmic IHG appear independent of contraction and/or rest period frequency-duration relationships. Investigation of rhythmic IHG protocols warrants further examination.

Key words

isometric exercise - autonomic nervous system - heart rate variability - blood pressure

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Correspondence

Philip J MillarPhD 

McMaster University

Kinesiology

1280 Main St W

L8S4K1 Hamilton

Canada

Phone: + 1/905/525 9140

Fax: + 1/905/525 7629

Email: millarpj@mcmaster.ca