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Monday, 31 October 2011
Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe the effect of isometric hand exercise on blood pressure.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to describe the demographic variables and blood pressure change for participants in a program of isometric hand exercise.
For some patients it is not possible to engage in aerobic exercise although it is desirable to participate in a regular exercise program. They may be limited by co-morbid conditions, such as stroke, COPD or neuromuscular disease. The research question was raised: Does the isometric exercise provided by simple hand exercise using a variety of hand exercisers have an effect on blood pressure? A multidisciplinary research team comprised of Nursing faculty, nursing students and faculty from Physical Education addressed this question in a study where participants used a variety of hand exercise devices for a ten minute period, a minimum of three days a week for six weeks. The particpant's blood pressure was recorded every two weeks and at the end of the study. Findings indicate that even this mild form of regular exercise resulted in a reduction in blood pressure. No demographic variable such as age, gender or BMI was significant. This preliminary study indicates that even mild to moderate isometric hand exercise, a technique available to almost any conscious patient, can improve blood presssure.