Effects of Isometric Training on Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/PPS.2025.28.67675Keywords
Isometric training, Heart rate variability, Meta-analysis, Controlled trialAbstract
Objective: To systematically review and meta-analyze the long-term effects of isometric training on heart rate variability (HRV), update previous research on isometric training's impact on HRV, explore and validate potential mechanisms and pathways underlying its blood pressure-lowering effects, and provide neurophysiological evidence for optimizing exercise prescriptions for hypertension. Methods: We retrieved randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the long-term effects of isometric training on HRV from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases from their inception to May 8, 2025, for controlled trials examining the long-term effects of isometric training on HRV. Main effects were pooled using a random-effects model in R 4.3.3 software. Results: Ten studies involving 310 participants (70% hypertensive) aged 24–66 years were included. The meta-analysis revealed no significant differences between isometric training and non-exercise control groups in time-domain indicators (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50) or frequency-domain indicators (LF, HF, LF/HF) of HRV (p > 0.05). However, marginal effects were observed for LF (Hedge’s g = -0.26 [-0.53, 0.01]) and LF/HF (Hedge’s g = -0.22 [-0.46, 0.01]) (p < 0.1). Conclusion: Isometric training has not yet demonstrated significant advantages in improving heart rate variability. However, the marginal significance of related indicators suggests that isometric training may attenuate sympathetic nervous system function by reducing LF and LF/HF, thereby reshaping autonomic nervous system balance. This offers a potential exercise intervention pathway for autonomic dysfunction caused by abnormal sympathetic activation commonly observed in hypertensive patients. Future studies should validate the potential benefits of isometric training on autonomic function through larger sample sizes, standardized intervention protocols, and long-term follow-up.
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