Cardiovascular Responses to Static Exercise (Isometrics, Anyone?)

ANYONE with a stethoscope, a sphygmomanometer, and an open mind can readily satisfy himself that static effort or "isometrics" may raise the blood pressure to high levels. Yet, isometrics, as a form of exercise intended as a means of attaining physical fitness, has been urged on the population at large. A recognition of the fact that the obese, the infirm, and the aged are unlikely to commence jogging around the neighborhood before breakfast, apparently has recently led some advocates of isometrics (including physicians) to write in the open press urging the waddlers to turn instead to press-ups (push-ups) and pull-ups. Judging by current advertisements, the sale of a variety of devices for isometric exercises may have become brisk. In view of these trends, it is worth while to reiterate certain reported data concerning the physiologic responses to isometric exercise and to examine the case for and against this type of activity. There are many kinds and degrees of static effort. Common examples are lifting, holding