Static isometric exercises, such as wall squats and planks, are best for lowering blood pressure, an analysis has found.
Cardio, dynamic resistance training (such as press-ups and weights) and high intensity interval training knowns as HIIT are also effective, reveal the findings.
The research involved a final analysis of 270 randomised controlled trials, with a pooled sample size of 15,827 participants.
The analysis found significant reductions in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure after all the categories of exercise, but the largest falls in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were seen after isometric exercise training.
Previous studies exclude newer forms of exercise, such as HIIT and isometric exercise. It may now be time to review the current exercise guidelines for the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure, the researchers suggest.
Image | Unsplash
