Exercise is an important component of an overall program to control blood pressure. However, some forms of exercise are more efficient than others. In addition, some types of exercise may be contraindicated for those with high blood pressure. There are factors to take into consideration when performing static exercises, and the first step is to talk with a physician about what a safe level of exercise is.
Considerations
Blood pressure is an indication of how hard the heart is working to pump blood and oxygen through the body. Low blood pressure can signal a problem with the heart's pumping ability. High blood pressure may indicate heart disease or a narrowing of the arteries. Many factors can affect blood pressure such as stress, fatigue, medications and exercise. Monitoring blood pressure during exercise can help to determine how well the body is adapting to exercise and if the level of exercise is safe. This is especially true for static type exercises.
Identification
Static exercises, also called isometric exercises, are ones which engage the muscles without changing the joint angle. Placing the palms against a wall and pushing into it without any other movement is an example of a static exercise. The muscles tighten while pushing, but the elbow joint does not move. The goal is to make the muscles stronger. Isometric exercises can be helpful after an injury, when recovering from surgery, or in other cases where the muscles are too weak to move the body. In these cases, isometric exercise may be prescribed by a physical therapist to help regain pre-injury strength.
Warning
Isometric exercise initially raises blood pressure, which can be dangerous for those with heart conditions or high blood pressure, warns the Mayo Clinic. Isometric exercises that require the participant to push or pull hard without actually moving the muscle can increase tension, which can make blood pressure shoot up.
While helpful in a therapy setting, static exercises are not very beneficial for improving strength in healthy individuals. In order to increase the strength of a muscle, it must be moved through its full range of motion, not held still. In addition, during isometric exercise, blood flow to the muscle can be limited, which may actually decrease muscular endurance.
Benefits
Isometric exercises may not build strength, but they may be helpful for lowering blood pressure. Isometric exercises done correctly and without a lot of force can, over time, lead to lower resting blood pressure, according to research findings by R. L. Wiley, et al., published in the July 1992 edition of "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise." Participants who performed a hand grip exercise three times a week for eight weeks, working at 30 percent of their maximum strength, saw a decrease in blood pressure of between 12.5 to 14.9 mm Hg . However, much more research is needed to understand the exact role isometric exercise has on blood pressure.
Solution
Before starting any exercise program, especially an isometric one, it is best to talk to a physical therapist or physician to determine the safety, based on personal health and medications currently being taken. If there are concerns, blood pressure can be monitored during exercise to make sure it does not go dangerously high. When blood pressure reaches 180/110 mm Hg or higher, it must be lowered immediately to avoid organ damage and possible death.
