Effects of home-based isometric handgrip or aerobic training on blood pressure variability and vascular health in older adults with elevated blood pressure and hypertension: secondary results from The HoldAge Trial.
Diogo Pinto, Nuno Dias Rato, Catarina Garcia et al.
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In 30 seconds
This two-center prospective randomized controlled trial examined whether home-based isometric handgrip training (IHT) or aerobic exercise training (AET) affected blood pressure variability and vascular health in 84 older adults with elevated blood pressure or hypertension. Participants were assigned to IHT, AET, or usual medical care for 8 weeks. There were no significant group-by-time effects for 24-hour or daytime blood pressure variability, flow-mediated dilation, aortic pulse wave velocity, or circulating biomarkers. Nighttime systolic blood pressure variability did show a group-by-time effect (P = 0.005); it decreased with IHT (-1.5 ± 3.0 mmHg; P = 0.011), but not significantly with AET or usual care.
Key findings
- Nighttime systolic blood pressure variability had a significant group-by-time interaction (P = 0.005).
- IHT reduced nighttime systolic blood pressure variability by -1.5 ± 3.0 mmHg (P = 0.011).
- No significant group-by-time effects were found for 24-hour or daytime variability, flow-mediated dilation, aortic pulse wave velocity, or circulating biomarkers (P > 0.05).
Why it matters
Nighttime blood pressure variability may be a relevant vascular measure in older adults with elevated blood pressure or hypertension. The trial suggests that a home-based handgrip programme can affect this measure, while the other assessed vascular outcomes did not show significant group-by-time effects. These results add evidence about a feasible exercise approach but do not establish broader vascular benefit.
What to keep in mind
The intervention lasted 8 weeks, and the reported findings are secondary results. No significant effects were observed across most measured vascular outcomes.