THE EFFECT OF ISOMETRIC HANDGRIP EXERCISE ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN ELDERLY WITH HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in the elderly and can lead to serious complications if left uncontrolled. One of the non-pharmacological interventions proven to lower blood pressure is isometric handgrip exercise in elderly with hypertension. This study aimed to determine the effect of isometric handgrip exercise on blood pressure in elderly with hypertension. The research method was a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group approach. The total sample was 50 elderly with hypertension, divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention involved isometric handgrip exercise  for 3 weeks. The study showed a decrease in mean systolic blood pressure of 7.84 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of 3.84 mmHg in the intervention group. In contrast, in the control group, the mean systolic blood pressure decreased by only 1.24 mmHg, and the mean diastolic blood pressure increased by 2.36 mmHg. Isometric handgrip exercise has a significant effect on lowering blood pressure in elderly with hypertension, and thus it can be used as a nonpharmacological method, both in healthcare facilities and in the community.