Niamh M Morrin1, Mark R Stone2, Ian L Swaine3, Keiran J Henderson4. 1. Human Performance, Exercise and Wellbeing Centre, Buckinghamshire New University, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 2JZ, UK. Niamh.morrin@bucks.ac.uk. 2. School of Sport and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE, UK. 3. Centre for Science and Medicine in Sport and Exercise, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK. 4. Human Performance, Exercise and Wellbeing Centre, Buckinghamshire New University, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 2JZ, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE:Isometric exercise (IE) has been shown to lower blood pressure (BP). Using equipment with force output displays, intensity is usually regulated at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC); however, the cost of programmable equipment and their requirement for maximal contractions presents limitations. A simple, cost-effective alternative deserves investigation. The purpose of this study was (1) to explore the relationship between %MVC, change in systolic BP (ΔSBP), and perceived exertion (CR-10) and (2) to assess the validity of self-regulation of intensity during isometric hand-grip exercise. METHODS:Fourteen pre-hypertensive and hypertensive adults completed eight, 2-min isometric hand-grip exercises at randomised intensities; participants estimated their perceived exertion at 30-s intervals (estimation task). Subsequently, on three separate occasions, participants performed four 2-min contractions at an exertion level that they perceived to be equivalent to CR-10 "Level-6" (production task). RESULTS: There were significant linear relationships between the estimated exertion on the CR-10 scale, and ΔSBP (r = 0.784) and %MVC (r = 0.845). Level-6 was equivalent to an average ΔSBP of 38 mmHg (95% CI; 44, 32 mmHg) and a relative force of 33% MVC (95% CI; 36.2, 30%). During the production task, %MVC was not significantly different between the estimation task and each production trial. In at least the first two repetitions of each production trial, ΔSBP was significantly lower than that observed in the estimation task. CONCLUSION: These findings show that CR-10 "Level-6" is an appropriate method of self-regulating isometric hand-grip intensity; its use offers an affordable and accessible alternative for isometric exercise prescription aimed at reducing BP.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: Isometric exercise (IE) has been shown to lower blood pressure (BP). Using equipment with force output displays, intensity is usually regulated at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC); however, the cost of programmable equipment and their requirement for maximal contractions presents limitations. A simple, cost-effective alternative deserves investigation. The purpose of this study was (1) to explore the relationship between %MVC, change in systolic BP (ΔSBP), and perceived exertion (CR-10) and (2) to assess the validity of self-regulation of intensity during isometric hand-grip exercise. METHODS: Fourteen pre-hypertensive and hypertensive adults completed eight, 2-min isometric hand-grip exercises at randomised intensities; participants estimated their perceived exertion at 30-s intervals (estimation task). Subsequently, on three separate occasions, participants performed four 2-min contractions at an exertion level that they perceived to be equivalent to CR-10 "Level-6" (production task). RESULTS: There were significant linear relationships between the estimated exertion on the CR-10 scale, and ΔSBP (r = 0.784) and %MVC (r = 0.845). Level-6 was equivalent to an average ΔSBP of 38 mmHg (95% CI; 44, 32 mmHg) and a relative force of 33% MVC (95% CI; 36.2, 30%). During the production task, %MVC was not significantly different between the estimation task and each production trial. In at least the first two repetitions of each production trial, ΔSBP was significantly lower than that observed in the estimation task. CONCLUSION: These findings show that CR-10 "Level-6" is an appropriate method of self-regulating isometric hand-grip intensity; its use offers an affordable and accessible alternative for isometric exercise prescription aimed at reducing BP.
Authors: Mark B Badrov; Cassandra L Bartol; Matthew A DiBartolomeo; Philip J Millar; Nancy H McNevin; Cheri L McGowan Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2013-04-16 Impact factor: 3.078
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