Immediate Effects of Calf Muscle Release via Foam Rolling and Active Stretching on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and the Rate Pressure Product in People with High-Normal Blood Pressure – A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background and need for the research: High-normal blood pressure (i.e., 130–139/85–89 mmHg) has hazardous ratio for both coronary heart disease and stroke, because of day to day variations in blood pressure; consequently, prevention through lifestyle modification is essential. Although numerous studies have examined stretching and myofascial release to lower blood pressure, no consensus has been reached regarding which technique is superior for immediate lowering blood pressure. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the immediate effects of self-performed foam rolling and active-stretching on blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand. Methods: A total of 98 patients with high normal blood pressure (20–40 years of age) meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 49) performed foam rolling, and group 2 (n = 49) performed TheraBand-assisted active stretching of the calf muscle. The pre and post blood pressure, heart rate, and the rate pressure product were assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS software (version 20.0). Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups (P < 0.05), and the decrease was greater in the active stretching group than the foam rolling group. In the foam rolling group, the heart rate significantly increased, whereas no changes were observed in the active stretching group. The Rate Pressure Product was not significant within and between two groups. Conclusion and clinical implications: Active stretching as part of a self-performed daily exercise routine appears safer for immediate lowering blood pressure, without affecting myocardial oxygen demand. Ethics committee approval: Reference No.: EC/Approval/08/Physio/21/06/2023.