Isochronic movement in the primary insomnia intervention in the auxiliary blood pressure regulation method

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for assisting blood pressure regulation through isometric exercise in the intervention of primary insomnia, belonging to the field of exercise rehabilitation technology. This invention targets individuals aged 18-45 with primary insomnia, employing an 8-week standardized isometric exercise intervention program, 3 times a week, 30 minutes each time (5 minutes warm-up + 20 minutes core training + 5 minutes stretching). Training exercises include wall squats, calf raises with elbow flexion, glute bridges, and planks. A progressive intensity program is used: 30% MVC in weeks 1-2, and 40% MVC in weeks 3-8. The exercise rhythm is maintained for 40 seconds for each movement, with a 20-second rest between each movement. Four movements constitute one set, for a total of four sets, with a 1-minute rest between sets. The heart rate is controlled at 60%-70% of maximum heart rate throughout the exercise. This invention can reduce the heart rate during sleep by 3.18 beats / min, systolic blood pressure by 3.9 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure by 2.1 mmHg, mean arterial pressure by 3.86 mmHg, and myocardial oxygen consumption by 424.8 mmHg·breath / min in patients with primary insomnia. At the same time, it significantly improves short-term memory, working memory, and information processing speed, without affecting sleep breathing function, and has good safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of sports rehabilitation technology, specifically relating to a method for assisting blood pressure regulation through isometric exercise in the intervention of primary insomnia. Background Technology

[0002] Sleep stages are mainly divided into two categories: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. NREM sleep accounts for about 75% of the total sleep time and is further subdivided into N1 stage (light sleep, easily awakened), N2 stage (heart rate and body temperature decrease, with the appearance of sleep spindles), and N3 stage (deep sleep / slow-wave sleep, mainly delta waves, body repair and enhanced immunity, difficult to awaken). REM sleep accounts for about 25% and is characterized by rapid eye movements, relaxed muscles but active brain, frequent dreams, and is crucial for memory consolidation and mood regulation. Sleep throughout the night follows a cyclical pattern, with each cycle lasting about 90 minutes, alternating between NREM and REM sleep.

[0003] Primary insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, sleep maintenance disorders, and sleep structure disturbances. It is often accompanied by sympathetic hyperactivity, elevated resting blood pressure in the morning, increased myocardial load, body composition imbalance, muscle weakness, and cognitive decline. Notably, even without meeting the diagnostic criteria for hypertension, insomnia patients commonly exhibit elevated resting blood pressure and increased blood pressure variability, reflecting autonomic dysfunction and representing a potential independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

[0004] Currently, clinical interventions primarily involve hypnotic drugs and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I). Hypnotic drugs have the potential for dependence and daytime side effects, and long-term use can easily lead to drug tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. CBT has high implementation barriers, long treatment courses, and a shortage of professional personnel, making it difficult to popularize. While conventional aerobic exercise can slightly improve sleep, its comprehensive regulatory effects on sleep structure, morning cardiovascular load, body composition, and cognitive function are limited. Furthermore, the long duration and high intensity of exercise make it unsuitable for people with insomnia who are pressed for time.

[0005] The core shortcomings of existing technologies are: the lack of a simple isometric exercise intervention program for patients with primary insomnia that simultaneously improves sleep and assists in the regulation of morning resting blood pressure; the lack of a feasible and standardized 8-week intervention technique; and especially the lack of a quantitative assessment system for improving morning resting blood pressure, autonomic nervous system function regulation, and cognitive function.

[0006] Based on this, the present invention provides a method for blood pressure regulation by isometric exercise in the intervention of primary insomnia. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention improves sleep quality in patients with primary insomnia, effectively assists in regulating morning resting blood pressure and enhancing cognitive function, clarifies the synergistic pathway of blood pressure regulation and cognitive improvement, and provides a drug-free, clinically applicable exercise rehabilitation technology solution for primary insomnia that offers both cardiovascular and cognitive benefits.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: a method for assisting blood pressure regulation through isometric exercise in the intervention of primary insomnia, comprising the following steps: S1 Subject Screening: Subjects aged 18-45 years who meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for primary insomnia, have a disease duration of ≥3 months, and a PSQI score of ≥7 are selected; S2 baseline assessment: The subjects were tested for maximum voluntary contractile force (MVC) to determine individualized exercise intensity benchmarks, and baseline cardiovascular indicators and cognitive function were assessed. S3 phased isometric exercise intervention: Implement 8 weeks of standardized isometric exercise training, 3 times a week, 30 minutes each time, using a progressive intensity plan: the exercise intensity is 30% MVC in the first 1-2 weeks, and the exercise intensity is increased to 40% MVC in the 3-8 weeks; S4 Exercise Rhythm Control: Each movement is held for 40 seconds, with a 20-second rest. Four movements constitute one set, and a total of four sets are completed. Rest for 1 minute between sets. Throughout the exercise, the heart rate is controlled at 60% to 70% of the maximum heart rate. S5 Effect Assessment: After the intervention, morning resting blood pressure, sleep heart rate, myocardial oxygen consumption, and cognitive function indicators were re-measured to evaluate the effects of blood pressure regulation and cognitive improvement.

[0009] Preferably, the 30-minute isometric exercise training in step S3 includes: 5 minutes of warm-up, 20 minutes of core isometric exercise training, and 5 minutes of stretching and relaxation.

[0010] Preferably, the isometric exercise training described in step S3 includes four standardized movements: wall squat, calf raises with elbow flexion, glute bridge, and plank.

[0011] Preferably, the exclusion criteria for subjects in step S1 are: mental illness, severe cardiovascular disease, contraindications to exercise, and those who have taken sleep aids within the past month.

[0012] Preferably, the morning resting blood pressure indicators in step S5 include: systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure.

[0013] Preferably, the cardiovascular indicators in step S5 also include: sleep heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep respiratory rate, and myocardial oxygen consumption.

[0014] Preferably, the cognitive function indicators in step S5 include: digit span forward memorization, digit span backward memorization, working memory capacity, digit reaction time, and letter reaction time.

[0015] Preferably, the method enables patients with primary insomnia to experience the following after intervention: a decrease in sleep heart rate of ≥3 beats / min, a decrease in systolic blood pressure of ≥3 mmHg, a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of ≥2 mmHg, a decrease in mean arterial pressure of ≥3 mmHg, and a decrease in myocardial oxygen consumption of ≥400 mmHg·breath / min.

[0016] The advantages of this invention are: 1. This invention significantly reduces nighttime cardiovascular load and assists in regulating morning resting blood pressure. Clinical trials have verified that after 8 weeks of isometric exercise intervention: sleep heart rate decreased by 3.18 beats / min (P<0.001); morning resting systolic blood pressure decreased by 3.9 mmHg (P=0.008); diastolic blood pressure decreased by 2.1 mmHg (P=0.035); mean arterial pressure decreased by 3.86 mmHg (P<0.001); and myocardial oxygen consumption decreased by 424.8 mmHg·bpm (P=0.002). No significant changes were observed in any of the indicators in the blank control group. This confirms that isometric exercise can effectively reduce nighttime cardiovascular load in insomnia patients by lowering sympathetic nerve tone and improving autonomic nerve balance, thereby achieving auxiliary regulation of morning resting blood pressure.

[0017] 2. This invention significantly improves cognitive function and achieves multidimensional benefits. There were no significant changes in sleep respiratory rate and blood oxygen saturation of the subjects before and after the intervention (P>0.05). The fluctuations of the indicators were within the normal physiological range, indicating that the intervention program does not interfere with respiratory function. No adverse events occurred throughout the process, and the safety was good. All exercise parameters (intensity, rhythm, cycle, and movement) have been standardized. No special equipment is required. It can be implemented in a home or community environment. It is low-cost, easy to implement, and suitable for large-scale clinical promotion. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the overall process of the isometric exercise-assisted blood pressure regulation method in the intervention of primary insomnia according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] A method for assisting blood pressure regulation through isometric exercise in the intervention of primary insomnia, comprising the following steps: S1 Subject Screening and Grouping This study recruited participants aged 18–45 years with primary insomnia, meeting the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for insomnia, with a duration of illness ≥3 months and a PSQI score ≥7. Exclusion criteria included: mental illness, severe cardiovascular disease, contraindications to exercise, and use of sleep aids within the past month. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to either an isometric exercise intervention group or a control group.

[0022] S2 baseline assessment Baseline assessments were performed on all participants: Maximum voluntary contraction force (MVC) test: The maximum voluntary contraction force of four exercises, namely wall squat, calf raise and elbow flexion, glute bridge and plank, was tested to determine the individualized exercise intensity benchmark; Baseline cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system indicators: sleep heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep respiratory rate, morning resting systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and myocardial oxygen consumption; Cognitive baseline: forward digit span, backward digit span, working memory capacity, digit reaction time, letter reaction time; MVC Standardized Measurement Flow Preparation before testing: Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours, rest quietly for 5 minutes, and wear a heart rate monitor; Test each movement individually: Follow the sequence of wall squat → calf raises and elbow flexions → glute bridge → plank, and perform 1-2 low-intensity pre-fits first. Measurement procedure: Gradually increase the contraction force to the maximum for 3-5 seconds and maintain it for 3 seconds. Record the peak value using an isometric muscle strength tester. Each movement is measured 3 times consecutively, with a 2-minute rest interval between each movement. Value selection rules: Take the maximum value of 3 times as the MVC baseline value; if the difference exceeds 10%, add 1 more value and take the average of the two closest values; Strength conversion: Convert the target force values ​​for 30% MVC and 40% MVC respectively.

[0023] S3 phased isometric exercise intervention The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 30 minutes. The specific structure was: 5 minutes of warm-up activities + 20 minutes of core isometric exercises + 5 minutes of stretching and relaxation. The control group maintained their daily routine and did not receive any structured exercise intervention.

[0024] A progressive strength scheme is adopted: Weeks 1-2 adaptation period: Exercise intensity is 30% MVC to help participants become familiar with movement patterns and establish exercise habits; Weeks 3-8 Intensive Phase: Increase exercise intensity to 40% MVC to ensure training effectiveness.

[0025] S4 Standardized Movement Rhythm Control The training exercises include four standardized movements: wall squat, calf raises with elbow flexion, glute bridge, and plank.

[0026] The exercise rhythm was strictly controlled as follows: each movement was held for 40 seconds, with a 20-second rest between each movement. Four movements constituted one set, and a total of four sets were completed, with a 1-minute rest between sets. Throughout the exercise, heart rate was monitored and kept within 60% to 70% of the maximum heart rate.

[0027] Key points of each movement technique: Wall squat: With your back against the wall, feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent at 90 degrees, keep your torso stable; Calf raises and elbow bends: Stand with your heels raised while bending your elbows to 90 degrees, keeping your core engaged. Glute bridge: Lie on your back with your knees bent at 90 degrees. Lift your hips until your shoulders, hips, and knees are in a straight line, keeping your gluteal muscles contracted. Plank: Lie face down with your forearms supporting your body in a straight line, maintaining core stability.

[0028] S5 Intervention Effectiveness Assessment After 8 weeks of intervention, all subjects were retested. The assessment indicators were consistent with the baseline assessment. Paired t-tests were used to compare the differences before and after the intervention, and independent samples t-tests were used to compare the differences between groups to evaluate the regulatory effect of isometric exercise on morning resting blood pressure and the improvement effect on cognitive function. Standardized blood pressure measurement operation procedure Measurement time: on an empty stomach in the morning, within 1 hour after urinating upon waking, before taking medication, and before breakfast; Fasting requirements: Avoid coffee, strong tea, and smoking for 30 minutes before the measurement, and empty your bladder. Posture requirements: Sit with your back against a chair, feet flat on the ground, upper arms exposed at heart level, palms facing up; Rest before measurement: Sit quietly in a quiet environment for 5-10 minutes; Number of measurements and values: Measure 3 times consecutively, with a 1-minute interval between each measurement; discard the first measurement and take the average of the second and third measurements; Equipment requirements: A calibrated medical upper arm electronic blood pressure monitor with a cuff that matches the upper arm circumference.

[0029] Example: Clinical trial of 8-week isotropic exercise intervention for patients with primary insomnia 1. Research Subjects Twenty participants aged 18-45 years with primary insomnia, meeting the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for insomnia, with a duration of illness ≥3 months and a PSQI score ≥7, were recruited. Those with mental illness, severe cardiovascular disease, exercise contraindications, or who had taken sleep aids within the past month were excluded. They were randomly assigned to two groups: Isometric exercise group (IE): 10 cases, 4 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 28.5 ± 5.2 years. Blank control group (CG): 10 cases, 3 males and 7 females, with a mean age of 27.8 ± 4.9 years. There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline indicators between the two groups, making them comparable.

[0030] 2. Intervention Program Isometric exercise group: Implemented standardized isometric exercise intervention for 8 weeks, 3 times a week, 30 minutes each time.

[0031] Warm-up for 5 minutes: joint mobilization and dynamic stretching 20-minute core workout: Wall squats, calf raises with elbow flexion, glute bridges, planks. Weeks 1-2: 30% MVC intensity, hold each movement for 40 seconds, rest for 20 seconds, 4 movements per set, 4 sets in total, 1 minute rest between sets. Weeks 3-8: 40% MVC intensity, rhythm as above. Relax for 5 minutes: static stretching and breathing regulation. Heart rate control throughout: 60%–70% of maximum heart rate. Control group: Maintained daily routine and did not undergo any structured exercise intervention.

[0032] 3. Evaluation Indicators and Time Points Assess the following indicators before intervention and 8 weeks after intervention: Cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system indicators: sleep heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, myocardial oxygen consumption Cognitive indicators: forward digit span, backward digit span, working memory capacity, digit reaction time, letter reaction time 4. Test Results 4.1 Changes in cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system indicators Table 1. Changes in heart rate during sleep (beats / min)

[0033] Table 2. Changes in systolic blood pressure (mmHg)

[0034] Table 3. Changes in diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)

[0035] Table 4. Changes in mean arterial pressure (mmHg)

[0036] Table 5. Changes in myocardial oxygen consumption (mmHg·breaths / min)

[0037] The results showed that after intervention, the sleep heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and myocardial oxygen consumption in the isometric exercise group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while there were no significant changes in the control group. This confirms that the method of the present invention has a significant auxiliary regulatory effect on morning resting blood pressure.

[0038] 4.2 Changes in cognitive function indicators Table 6. Number breadth variation (numbers)

[0039] Table 7. Changes in working memory capacity (number of levels completed)

[0040] Table 8. Changes in numerical reaction time (s)

[0041] The results showed that all cognitive indicators in the isometric exercise group were significantly improved after intervention (P<0.05), while there were no significant changes in the control group, confirming that the method of the present invention can simultaneously improve the cognitive function of patients with primary insomnia.

[0042] 4.3 There were no statistically significant differences in sleep respiratory rate and blood oxygen saturation between the two groups before and after the intervention (P>0.05). No sports injuries or adverse reactions occurred in any of the subjects, and the intervention program was safe.

[0043] 5. The 8-week standardized intervention program based solely on isometric exercise of this invention significantly reduced morning resting blood pressure, myocardial oxygen consumption, and sleep heart rate in patients with primary insomnia, while simultaneously improving short-term memory, working memory, and information processing speed (P<0.05), with good safety. Compared with the control group, this program showed significant advantages in blood pressure regulation and cognitive improvement, providing a new, drug-free, and widely applicable exercise rehabilitation technology for primary insomnia.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may be omitted.

[0045] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any actual implementation method, and in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.

[0046] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for assisting blood pressure regulation through isometric exercise in the intervention of primary insomnia, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1 Subject Screening: Subjects aged 18-45 years who meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for primary insomnia, have a disease duration of ≥3 months, and a PSQI score of ≥7 are selected; S2 baseline assessment: The subjects were tested for maximum voluntary contractile force (MVC) to determine individualized exercise intensity benchmarks, and baseline cardiovascular indicators and cognitive function were assessed. S3 phased isometric exercise intervention: Implement 8 weeks of standardized isometric exercise training, 3 times a week, 30 minutes each time, using a progressive intensity plan: the exercise intensity is 30% MVC in the first 1-2 weeks, and the exercise intensity is increased to 40% MVC in the 3-8 weeks; S4 Exercise Rhythm Control: Each movement is held for 40 seconds, with a 20-second rest. Four movements constitute one set, and a total of four sets are completed. Rest for 1 minute between sets. Throughout the exercise, the heart rate is controlled at 60% to 70% of the maximum heart rate. S5 Effect Assessment: After the intervention, morning resting blood pressure, sleep heart rate, myocardial oxygen consumption, and cognitive function indicators were re-measured to evaluate the effects of blood pressure regulation and cognitive improvement.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 30-minute isometric exercise training described in step S3 includes: 5 minutes of warm-up, 20 minutes of core isometric exercise training, and 5 minutes of stretching and relaxation.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The isometric exercise training described in step S3 includes four standardized movements: wall squat, calf raises with elbow flexion, glute bridge, and plank.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exclusion criteria for subjects mentioned in step S1 are: mental illness, severe cardiovascular disease, contraindications to exercise, and those who have taken sleep aids within the past month.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The morning resting blood pressure indicators mentioned in step S5 include: systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cardiovascular indicators in step S5 also include: sleep heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep respiratory rate, and myocardial oxygen consumption.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cognitive function indicators mentioned in step S5 include: digit span forward memorization, digit span backward memorization, working memory capacity, digit reaction time, and letter reaction time.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method can reduce the following in patients with primary insomnia after intervention: sleep heart rate decreases by ≥3 beats / min, systolic blood pressure decreases by ≥3 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure decreases by ≥2 mmHg, mean arterial pressure decreases by ≥3 mmHg, and myocardial oxygen consumption decreases by ≥400 mmHg·breaths / min.

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