Research indicates that there are may be three main physiological changes that occur with consistent use of the Zona Plus:
1. May help the body's autonomic nervous system relax
The
autonomic nervous system (ANS) instinctively manages many of your body's essential functions, such as pupil dilation in your eyes, digestion, your heartbeat and saliva secretion. The ANS is made up of two main parts, the
sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the
parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS promotes calming of the nerves and rest, whereas the SNS promotes "fight or flight" responses, such as an increased heart rate. An overactive SNS has been shown to be a fundamental factor in the development of high blood pressure for many individuals.
Putting your autonomic nervous system back into balance by calming the SNS and increasing activity in the PNS is important for cardiovascular health. This change, called a switch in vagal tone, has been tied to helping insure blood vessels dilate properly, that the body maintains an appropriate heart rate and healthy hormone secretion from the kidneys.
2. May improve artery health
High blood pressure is often characterized by blood vessels that don't expand as much as they should (vasoconstriction), which makes the heart have to work harder to get adequate blood flow and puts excess stress on the arteries and veins. This often occurs because the cells that line the blood vessel, artery, and vein walls (called
endothelium) have become damaged and dysfunctional.
Endothelial dysfunction is often a major culprit in the development of hypertension.
Studies indicate that relaxation and isometric exercise may result in the reversal of endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial improvement is associated with lower occurrences of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, Peripheral Artery Disease, diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular risks.
3. May encourage the body to produce more Nitric Oxide
Researchers hypothesize that isometric exercise where you are using less than your full strength for short intervals has been known to stimulate the creation of
nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is known to cause vasodilatation (opening of blood vessels) and has been associated with maintaining normal blood pressure levels.
Using the Zona Plus
The Zona Plus isometric exercise therapy only takes 12 minutes total, including rest periods. It can be done while you are relaxing watching TV, sitting at your desk... virtually anywhere, anytime! To complete the therapy you simply:
Step 1: Get Comfortable
- Sit down in a comfortable chair and relax.
- The therapy will take about 12 minutes.
- Take hold of the Zona PLUS so that you can easily see the screen.
Step 2: Set Your Target Squeeze Rate
To turn the Zona on, press the green button and release it when the display becomes active. (Note: If you hold the green button for 3 seconds the unit will turn off)
Right hand
- First, squeeze as hard as you can for 1-2 seconds with your right hand, then rest for 10 seconds.
Left hand
- Then, squeeze as hard as you can for 1-2 seconds with your left hand, then rest for 10 seconds. These pressures are recorded as your maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) and will be used as your target squeeze rate.
Note: You will perform Step 2 each time you use the Zona Plus
Step 3: The Therapy
Right hand
- With your right hand, squeeze the handheld device just enough to display "Hold" on the screen, and hold this position for 2 minutes. The Zona timer will count down for you.
- The handheld display will tell you if you need to squeeze MORE of if you need to squeeze LESS.
- It will take some practice getting in the zone. Don't worry, it will get easier the more you use the device.
- Rest for 1 minute. The Zona timer will count down for you.
Left hand
- Now with your left hand, squeeze the Zona just enough to display "HOLD" on the screen, and hold this position for 2 minutes. The Zona timer will count down for you.
- The Zona will tell you if you need to squeeze MORE of if you need to squeeze LESS.
- Rest for 1 minute. The Zona timer will count down for you.
You will repeat step 3, starting with your right hand
Step 4: Track Your Score
When the therapy is complete, the handgrip briefly displays a score based on how well you maintained your target squeeze rate. Continued use of the device will help improve your score. If you fall below 80 on a consistent basis, please call us for help.
