In brief

• A study from the University of Canterbury concerns an exercise that involves holding a seated position with your back against a wall.
• After four weeks of training three times a week, for eight minutes each time, systolic pressure dropped by an average of 9.5 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by 5.5 mm Hg.
• According to the researchers, the effect is similar to a standard dose of hypertension medication, but this is not clinical equivalence, and the exercise does not replace treatment.

A simple position instead of running

Researchers from the University of Canterbury Christ Church examined the effect of an exercise called wall sitting on the cardiovascular system. It involves holding a seated position with your back against a wall. It requires no running, long walks, or significant physical exertion (Ученые нашли способ снизить давление – Charter 97) (Ученые нашли способ снизить давление – udf.name) (Всего 8 минут трижды в неделю – ученые нашли способ снизить давление – co.il) (Ученые нашли способ снизить давление / Мой BY — Информационный портал Беларуси. Новости Беларуси – moyby.com).

During this exercise the muscles remain tensed, and the body barely moves. This type of effort is called isometric.

Results after four weeks

Participants performed the exercise three times a week, each time for eight minutes. After four weeks, systolic pressure had dropped by an average of 9.5 mm Hg, and diastolic pressure by 5.5 mm Hg.

The researchers assessed that this effect is similar to what a standard dose of hypertension medication produces, although this does not mean clinical equivalence. The exercise does not replace treatment prescribed by a doctor.

How often to exercise and what after a break

According to the researchers, one session a week is enough to maintain the results achieved. Stopping exercise altogether may cause blood pressure to eventually return to its earlier values.

Before changing your treatment or starting a new training regimen for hypertension, it is worth consulting a doctor.