Effects of Isometric Exercise on Blood Pressure in Normotensive and Hypertensive Older Adults: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the acute and chronic effects of isometric exercise, as well as the physiological mechanisms involved in hypotensive in older people. The information was extracted from indexed publications in Medline, SciELO, web of science, and Lilacs. The results are still inconclusive to recommend that only one session of isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise is effective to reduce blood pressure (BP) in older adults. On the other hand, there are some interesting findings that indicate IHG training is safe and effective in reducing BP. The mechanism involved in the decrease in BP after an isometric exercise is still being researched. However, there are some data that suggest an improvement in vagal modulation can play an important role in this case. Future studies should evaluate the components of central nervous system, as well as the possible participation of humorous substances, e.g., nitric oxide in particular.