Noninvasive myocardial oxygen consumption alterations in hypertensive stroke survivors after 4 weeks of isometric exercise training protocols: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate alterations in the noninvasive myocardial oxygen consumption, which is indicated by changes in the rate pressure product (RPP), in order to determine the cardiovascular capacity response as well as the safety of isometric exercise protocols in hypertensive stroke survivors following a 4-week isometric exercise training protocols. Methods This study used the pretest–posttest randomized controlled experimental trial design. Hypertensive stroke survivors, aged 25–74 years, were recruited and underwent comprehensive baseline assessments, including RPP, blood pressure, and heart rate measured from both the right and left brachial arteries. Participants were engaged in supervised unilateral isometric handgrip and isometric quadriceps exercise sessions targeting major muscle groups in the upper limb and lower limb for 4 weeks and done at an exercise intensity of 30% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). RPP, blood pressure, and heart rate were assessed at baseline; weeks 1, 2, and 3; and week-4 post-training. Statistical analyses, which include repeated measure ANOVA, were conducted to analyze RPP alterations in the workload on the heart of HSS as well as assess the cardiovascular fitness and the risk of cardiovascular events reoccurring in HSS. Results The results revealed a statistically significant reduction in RPP after 4 weeks of isometric exercise training, indicating a decreased cardiovascular workload which translates clinically to a reduction in the risk of a cardiovascular event occurring, hence emphasizing the clinical relevance of RPP as an indicator of cardiovascular health in participants. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of isometric exercise training on myocardial oxygen consumption, as reflected by RPP, in hypertensive stroke survivors. The observed reduction in RPP suggests improved cardiovascular capacity, hence an improved exercise capacity as well as efficiency, which may contribute to better long-term outcomes and reduced cardiovascular risk in this vulnerable population. These findings underscore the importance of personalized rehabilitation strategies and ongoing monitoring of RPP to enhance the cardiovascular health and overall well-being of hypertensive stroke survivors. Further research is warranted to validate and refine these findings in larger, diverse cohorts and longer intervention duration in order to observe the RPP adaptation.

Keywords

• Myocardial oxygen consumption
• Isometric exercise training
• Hypertensive stroke survivor