Proposed Mechanisms of Action

The precise mechanisms by which isometric handgrip therapy improve cardiovascular fitness are still being researched. Research indicates that there 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.