Effect of 10-week Isometric handgrip exercise at home on hemodynamic and psychological factors of sedentary hypertensive women during COVID-19

Abstract

Background and Objective: COVID-19 poses significant public health threats and impacts physical activity, particularly in hypertensive patients. The aim of this study is to examine the ten weeks of isometric handgrip exercise impact on hypertensive women during quarantine. Methods: thirty female volunteers with high blood pressure participated in this randomized controlled trial study. The isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise group performed the exercise for ten weeks (3 sessions per week, 4x2 min isometric contractions at 30% MVC, separated by 2 minutes rest) via video call at home, and the control group had no exercise program. The blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean), heart rate, and myocardial oxygen consumption were measured before and after exercise program; DASS21 and quality of life (Sf-36) questionnaires were then completed by the participants. Results: Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure showed a significant decrease (5 mmHg, 2 mmHg, respectively); quality of life and DASS21 scores showed a significant improvement after IHG exercise compared to the control (p < .05). Conclusion: IHG exercise activity at home is highly effective and useful for improving blood pressure and quality of life of hypertensive women, and it is also a treatment option to reduce stress, depression and anxiety due to COVID-19.