Abstract:
A method for isometric exercise safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. The method utilizes an apparatus that provides resistance to force and maximizes user/patient comfort. The handle or grip of the apparatus may be squeezed with a force less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby restricting blood flow through contracting muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through use of the method. The restricted blood flow reduces localized necrosis due to obstruction of blood supply. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and inducing the user to apply the fractional force, a lesser fractional force or no force for a time.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/319,866, entitled System and Method For Carrying Out Protocol-Based Isometric Exercise Regimen, filed Jan. 12, 2009, which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/634,834, entitled Apparatus, System and Method For Carrying Out Protocol-Based Isometric Exercise Regimen, filed Dec. 5, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,757, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of cardiovascular health and more particularly to a system and method for safely reducing the resting blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic pressures) of humans, especially hypertensive humans, modulating the autonomic nervous system and generally improving cardio vascular health in humans. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,696 to Wiley (the &#39;696 patent) discloses a protocol or method for lowering the resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures of patients. This protocol commences with a determination of the maximal isometric force which can be exerted by a patient with any given muscle (e.g., skeletal muscle or group of muscles) of such patient. The determined maximal isometric force is recorded. The patient, then, is periodically permitted to intermittently engage in isometric contraction of the given muscle at a fractional level (e.g., up to about 60%) of the maximal force determined for a given contraction duration followed by a given resting duration. A perceptible indicia correlative to an output signal generated in response to isometric force exerted by the given muscle is displayed to the patient so that the patient can sustain the given fractional level of maximal force. The perceptible indicia can comprise of a visual display, an audio signal, or a tactile signal for example. The tactile signal may comprise of a vibration and a feedback force. 
     The &#39;696 patent further discloses an apparatus for use by a patient in carrying out the foregoing protocol. This apparatus includes the dynamometer for a patient to activate with a given muscle (e.g., skeletal muscle or group of muscles). A memory is connected to the dynamometer for recording the maximal isometric force which can be exerted by the patient with any given muscle of that patient. A display is connected to the dynamometer and to the memory for displaying percentages of the recorded maximal isometric force when the patient activates the dynamometer with the given muscle. A timer is provided for the patient to ascertain the duration over which the given muscle exerts isometric force through the dynamometer and the duration between exertions. The &#39;696 patent is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,639 to Smyser (the &#39;639 patent) discloses a protocol-configurable isometric hand grip recording dynamometer with user guidance. The apparatus employs a grip within which is mounted a load cell. The load cell, in turn, is coupled to a rigid printed circuit board which is compressively squeezed during an exercise regimen. A readout is integrally formed with the battery operated system to provide aural and visual cuing at an angle facilitating the user&#39;s reading of a display. Visual cues are provided at the display throughout an exercise regimen prompting the user as to which hand to use and the amount of compressive squeezing force to be applied. The system and method includes a technique for scoring the efforts of the user. The microprocessor-driven device includes archival memory and a data communications port that may be employed interactively with a trainer or physician. The &#39;639 patent is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The preferred embodiment of present invention relates to a compact, lightweight, hand-held, battery powered, isometric exercise apparatus which exhibits a structural configuration enabling it to be subjected to loads induced by the isometric contraction of a muscle or muscle group. The apparatus comprises a system where contraction of a muscle or muscle group causes a measurable indicia to the force measuring component, which then communicates the measured force to the control system which uses said force to provide performance information to the user. More specifically, the apparatus is designed to allow natural resistance to force, reducing strain, and increasing the total area of skin surface which is compressed during use. The design allows greater user comfort during the performance of isometric exercise. Additionally, the apparatus is designed to communicate the exercise parameters and other pertinent related data to remote devices such as stand alone computers, personal digital assistants, laptops, servers, and routers, as examples. 
     Extending from the handle or grip is a display, with a power button juxtaposed to the display. The display is mounted such that the user can observe visual cues while carrying out an isometric exercise protocol. Further, the display provides a menu of options of exercise regimens that a user can select at the beginning of each use of the apparatus. The control system incorporated within the apparatus is processor driven and is capable of recording the maximum isometric squeeze force (MSF) exerted by a user, as well as other user data necessary for guiding the user in performance of isometric exercise. The display displays the percentage of the recorded MSF the user is to exert during the exercise regimen (the fractional force). A clock is provided for the user to ascertain the amount of time the user is to hold the fractional force and the duration between exertions. The amount of time available for an exercise can be inputted. 
     The system and method associated with the preferred embodiment of the apparatus provide visual and audible cues to the user and additionally, through the utilization of a scoring technique, provide user performance data for training or exercise management purposes. Visual cues not only guide the user through a multi-step protocol designed to lower blood pressure levels, but also aid the user in maintaining set target isometric contraction levels. For instance, during an exercise regimen, the display indicates the target force desired. When the handle or grip is squeezed either below the target force or beyond the target force, the user is provided with an aural and/or visual warning. Further, when the user exerts a maximum squeeze force (MSF), the display gives the user visual information as to the relative value of such MSF. The apparatus may also be custom programmed for individual users who choose either a set time period for an exercise regimen or a defined level of exertion, i.e., a set fractional amount of the MSF, for an exercise regimen. The apparatus may also be used as a form of physical therapy or group of physical therapies (i.e., variable therapies and variable forces). According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is generally programmed to carry out an exercise regimen that lowers the resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures of users. 
     The present invention is also directed to a method for lowering the resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures of users as well as providing a protocol for increasing parasympathetic nerve activity and improving peripheral artery function. The protocol also adds to a person&#39;s nitric oxide production. 
     This method begins with a determination of the maximal isometric squeeze force (MSF) which can be exerted by the user with any given muscle, preferably the hand muscles. The MSF is recorded. The user is then periodically asked to intermittently engage in isometric contraction of the given muscle at a fractional level, from about 15% to about 55%, of the MSF for a given contraction duration (T) followed by a given resting duration (RSF). According to a preferred embodiment, the RSF is zero. According to another embodiment, the RSF is not zero. A perceptible indicia correlative to an output signal generated in response to an isometric force exerted by the given muscle is displayed to the user so that the user can sustain the given fractional level of maximal force for the desired duration (T). This method may also allow for the dynamic change of the MSF, FSF (fractional squeeze force), RSF, or T during a performance of an exercise. 
     A representative procedure for a user to follow includes the user exerting a squeezing force with either hand equal to about 30% of the MSF and holding that about 30% force for two minutes; resting for one minute with an RSF of zero; exerting a force with the other hand equal to about 30% of the MSF for two minutes; resting one minute with an RSF of zero; exerting a force of about 30% of maximum for two minutes again with the first hand; resting one minute with an RSF of zero; and exerting a force of about 30% for two minutes again with the second hand. This completes the isometric exercise for that day. The same procedure should be followed by the user/patient at least three days per week. 
     Advantages of the present invention include recognition that isometric exercise is an effective means for a patient to lower both resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Another advantage of the present invention is that lowering resting blood pressure can be achieved utilizing isometric contractions far short of maximal force. Isometric contractions at maximum force could cause blood pressure to rise to dangerous levels, especially in hypertensive patients. Yet another advantage is an isometric exercise regimen that takes but a few minutes a day and yet is effective in lowering the user&#39;s resting blood pressure. A further advantage is an apparatus which has been designed to implement the isometric exercise regimen disclosed herein. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described further hereinafter. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may be readily utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that equivalent constructions, insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention, are included in the present invention. 
     For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the aims attained by its uses, references should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1   b  is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 3   a  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 3   b  is a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3   a  taken along line  3   b - 3   b;    
         FIG. 4   a  is a back view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 4   b  is a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 4   a  taken along line  4   b - 4   b;    
         FIG. 5   a  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 5   b  is a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 5   a  taken along line  5   b - 5   b;    
         FIG. 5   c  is an enlargement of detail  5   c  of  FIG. 5   b;    
         FIG. 6   a  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 6   b  is a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6   a  taken along line  6   b - 6   b;    
         FIG. 6   c  is an enlargement of detail  6   c  of  FIG. 6   b;    
         FIG. 7   a  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 7   b  is a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 7   a  taken along line  7   b - 7   b;    
         FIG. 7   c  is an enlargement of detail  7   c  of  FIG. 7   b;    
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the hardware employed with the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a procedure employed by the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing an exercise regimen carried out by the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 11   a  is a graph displaying the force applied to the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a  pursuant to an exercise regimen; 
         FIG. 11   b  is a graph displaying the force applied to the apparatus of  FIG. 1   a  pursuant to an exercise regimen wherein the force is variable; and 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic of the force transfers. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of the apparatus  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. As seen in  FIG. 1   a , the apparatus  100  includes a display  101 , a power button  102 , a front fixed member  103 , and a back moveable member  104 . The back movable member  104  can move laterally, longitudinally, vertically, and in a rotational movement.  FIG. 1   b  is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a , and shows the detail of the mechanics of the back movable member  104 . The front fixed member  103  or back moveable member  104  can be a rubberized surface and configured to minimize point pressure on a user&#39;s hand. As seen in  FIG. 1   b , the back movable member  104  is preferably connected to the apparatus  100  by means of flexible members  105 ,  106  and  107 , preferably three (3) flexible members, an upper flexible member  105 , a center flexible member  106  and a lower flexible member  107 . According to a preferred embodiment, the flexible members  105 ,  106  and  107  may be elastic polymers in the nature of bumpers. However, the flexible member(s)  105 ,  106  and  107  can be any compressible structure (e.g., spring, air bladder, encapsulated fluid) known to those skilled in the art. 
     The center flexible member  106  is preferably provided with a sleeve  108  as seen in  FIG. 1   b , which functions to translate a multiaxial force, as may be applied to the back movable member  104  when a rotated grip is applied to the apparatus  100 , into a uniaxial force. Although the sleeve  108  may not translate such force with complete accuracy, the sleeve  108  also helps minimize other possible transfer losses that can occur when the center flexible member  106  expands (widens) under load. The sleeve  108  further provides a hard surface for connecting the force applied to the back movable member  104  to the sensor  109  in the apparatus  100 . According to a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  108  is a metal sleeve.  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a  and shows the detail of the mechanics of the front fixed member  103 . 
       FIG. 3   a  is a side view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 3   b  is a sectional view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 3   a  taken along line  3   b - 3   b . As can be seen from  FIG. 3   b , the center flexible member  106  of the apparatus  100  is encased by the sleeve  108 . The back movable member  104  is further comprised of a soft shell  110  and a rigid core  111 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3   b.    
       FIG. 4   a  is a back view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 4   b  is a sectional view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 4   a  taken along line  4   b - 4   b .  FIG. 4   b  also shows the soft shell  110  and rigid core  111  of the back movable member  104 . 
       FIG. 5   a  is a side view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 5   b  is a sectional view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 5   a  taken along line  5   b - 5   b , i.e., intersecting the lower flexible member  107 .  FIG. 5   c  is an enlargement of detail  5   e  of  FIG. 5   b  and shows the lower snaps (both right  112   a  and left  112   b ) in the relief position, i.e., when no squeeze force is applied to the apparatus  100  and the back movable member  104  is in a resting position. 
       FIG. 6   a  is a side view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 6   b  is a sectional view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 6   a  taken along line  6   b - 6   b , i.e., intersecting the upper flexible member  105 .  FIG. 6   c  is an enlargement of detail  6   c  of  FIG. 6   b  and shows the upper snaps (both right  112   a  and left  112   b ) in the stop position, i.e., in a situation where a squeezing force  113  has been applied to the apparatus  100  such that the back movable member  104  has been depressed and the upper flexible member  105  is compressed. When a squeeze force  113  is applied to the apparatus  100 , the back movable member  104  pushes up against the upper flexible member  105 . Although not pictured in  FIG. 6   c , in the preferred embodiment, the center flexible member  106  comes into contact with the sensor  109  by means of the sleeve  108  when force  113  is applied. 
       FIG. 7   a  is a side view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 7   b  is a sectional view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 7   a  taken along line  7   b - 7   b .  FIG. 7   c  is an enlargement of detail  7   c  of  FIG. 7   b  and shows the upper snaps (both right  112   a  and left  112   b ) in the stop position in the event that a rotating squeeze force  114  has been applied to the apparatus  100  such that the back movable member  104  has rotated slightly. When such a rotating squeeze force  114  is applied to the apparatus  100 , the back movable member  104  pushes up unevenly against the upper flexible member  105  so that, as seen in  FIG. 7   c  where the rotational force  114  is to the right, the right snap  112   a  is in the relief position and the left snap  112   b  is in the stop position. In the event that the back movable member  104  is rotated up or down, a vertical rather than horizontal displacement of the back movable member  104  relative to the apparatus  100  would be noted (not shown). The flexible members  105 ,  106  and  107  and/or back movable member  104  may collectively act as force shunt. However, in the preferred embodiment, only the force transfer member (described as “center flexible member”  106 ) directly translates the force to the sensor  109 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4   b , during an exercise regimen, the user exerts a grip force on the apparatus  100 . A force proportional to the grip force is transferred via the back movable member  104 , the center flexible member  106  and the sleeve  108  to the sensor  109  and measured by the control system of the apparatus  100 . The sensor  109  is seated in the body of the apparatus  100 . According to a preferred embodiment, for additional grip support, two additional flexible members (upper  105  and lower  107 ) are seated in the apparatus  100 . 
     For comfort, both the fixed front member  103  and the back movable member  104  are provided with a soft shell  110 , preferably a polymer shell, covering a rigid core  111 , preferably a polymer core, as seen in  FIG. 3   b . The rigid core  111  also can consist of a metal or a natural fiber. The soft polymer shell  110  is the surface that interfaces with the hand of the user. The soft polymer shell  110  can also consist of a synthetic (e.g., rubber or foam) or a natural fiber. Furthermore, comfort is also ensured by virtue of the flexible members, including the upper  105 , center  106  and lower  107  flexible members, which provide a “springy” feel to the apparatus  100  and ensure greater comfort and accordingly, greater compliance with the exercise regimen. Compliance is further accomplished by allowing the back movable member  104  to displace (travel a certain distance) towards the apparatus  100  when a squeeze force is applied. Displacement of the back movable member  104  towards the apparatus  100  is achieved by means of the flexible members  105 ,  106  and  107  and by allowing a gap to exist between back movable member  104  and the apparatus  100 . Friction between the apparatus  100  and the flexible members  105 ,  106  and  107  can be reduced by housing, wholly or partially, any of the flexible members in a corresponding sleeve (e.g.,  108 ). Use of a sleeve may also serve to limit the range of motion of the flexible member housed therein. 
     As mentioned above, additional comfort is provided during isometric exercise by allowing a certain amount of right/left and/or up/down rotational movement of the back movable member  104 . Right/left rotation is accomplished by placing the flexible members  105 ,  106  and  107  along the centerline of the back movable member  104 . Right/left rotational freedom can be further facilitated by providing clearance cuts behind the snaps  112   a  and  112   b  in the apparatus  100 . Up/down rotation is accomplished by the elastic nature of the upper and lower flexible members  105 ,  106  and  107 . Up/down rotational freedom may be further facilitated by providing clearance cuts behind the snaps  112   a  and  112   b  in apparatus  100 . Housing the center flexible member  106  in a sleeve  108  ensures that the force applied to the back movable member  104  is always centered and perpendicular to the sensor  109  surface in case of rotated grip positions either left/right and/or up/down. 
     The center flexible member  106  is seated in the sleeve  108  and the sleeve  108  is in turn seated in the apparatus  100  and tightly guided by a sleeve guide  115  as seen in  FIG. 2 . The arrangement of the center flexible member  106 , sleeve  108  and sleeve guide  115  supports the force transfer to the sensor  109  with minimum possible friction losses that may occur as a result of deformation of the flexible members  105 ,  106  and  107  or grip rotation. 
     In use, the grip force applied to the back movable member  104  is transferred through the center  106 , lower  107  and upper  105  flexible members. Therefore, only a proportional fraction of the actual grip force is directly transferred to the sensor by the center flexible member  106 .  FIG. 12  is a schematic showing the force transfers, including the loads present in the apparatus of the present invention. Due to the relative short duration of the applied squeeze force, creep or setting of the force transmitting flexible member, i.e., the center elastomer bumper  106 , can be considered negligible. Therefore, based on  FIG. 12 , the force equilibrium can be described as follows:
 
 F   G   =F   BI   +F   S   +F   Bu −2 F   P   (Eq. 1)
 
 F   BI   +F   Bu   =c′F   S   (Eq. 2),
 
wherein  c ′ is a fractional constant
 
Accordingly, Eq. 1 can be rewritten as:
 
 F   G   =F   S   +c′F   S −2 F   P   =F   S (1+ c ′)−2 F   P   (Eq. 3)
 
Eq. 3 can again be rewritten as:
 
 F   G   =C   t   ′F   S −2 F   P   (Eq. 4),
 
if  C   t ′=(1+ c ′)  (Eq. 5)
 
The force F S  transmitted to the sensor is then:
 
 F   S =( F   G +2 F   P )/ C   t ′  (Eq. 6)
 
Eq. 6 can be rewritten as:
 
 F   S   =C   t ( F   G +2 F   P )  (Eq. 7),
 
if  C   t =1 /C   t ′  (Eq. 8),
 
wherein C t  is the force transfer factor.
 
     The force transfer factor C t  of the entire system is determined by experimentation, and then implemented in the code that calculates the grip force from the sensor output voltage. F P  varies due to manufacturing and material related factors. Furthermore, F P  can change during initial usage of the device (break-in period). In order to ensure force measurements of sufficient accuracy and reproducibility, F P  is measured by the electronics of the device prior to each use, and electronically set to zero. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the hardware employed with the preferred apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , battery  116  communicates through the control system power button  117 , i.e., the “on” button, which in turn activates the power supply  118 . The power supply  118  powers a timing device  119 , preferably an oscillator such as a clock. The power supply  118  also powers the processor  120  portion of the control system, which in turn controls a user interface driver  121  (display driver) that provides an audible notification, i.e., a buzzer, and/or a visual display  122 , i.e., a liquid crystal display. The control system also employs an analog to digital converter (A/D converter)  123  that converts the force applied to the sensor  109  from analog to digital, i.e., binary number. The A/D converter  123  communicates with amplifier  124  that amplifies the output signal  125  from the load cell, i.e., the sensor  109 . Thus, as a force is applied to the device, the dynamometer portion of the control system converts the force applied from a mechanical force into a form useable by the processor  120  for user feedback and guidance. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a procedure employed by the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a . As seen in  FIG. 9 , once the user has applied the maximum squeeze force  900 , the apparatus records the maximum squeeze force as a relative number and displays this number on the display  901 . The user is then prompted to apply a fractional force  902 , which is a percentage of the maximum force. According to a preferred embodiment, the fractional force is about 15% to about 60%, preferably about 25% to about 55%, and more preferably about 30% if the time period of the exercise is longer, i.e., 12 minutes, and more preferably about 50% if the time period of the exercise is shorter, i.e., 7 or 8 minutes. As seen in  FIG. 9 , the constant “K” is the fractional force. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing an exercise regimen carried out by the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a , wherein maximum squeeze force is measured on the right hand first  1001 , followed by a rest period  1002 . Then the maximum squeeze force is measured on the left hand  1003 , followed by a rest period  1004 . Then the right hand and left hand are alternatively used to squeeze to a fractional force  1005  and  1007 , with rest periods  1006  between each fractional squeeze force effort  1005  and  1007 . According to a preferred embodiment, the right and left hand are alternated to a fractional squeeze force for at least about two (2) repetitions and for at most about five (5) repetitions. According to the present invention, the higher the number of repetitions, the lower the fractional force exerted should be. Likewise, the longer amount of time the fractional squeeze force is held, the lower the fractional squeeze force may be. In a preferred embodiment, the final score  1008  is an average of the right hand and left hand maximum squeeze force  1001  and  1003 . It is understood, however, that the exercise could be started with the left hand instead of the right hand, as long as each hand is alternated during the exercise regimen. 
       FIG. 11   a  is a graph displaying the force applied to the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a  pursuant to an exercise regimen and  FIG. 11   b  is a graph displaying the force applied to the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1   a  pursuant to an exercise regimen wherein the force is variable. As seen in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b , in each case, the resting squeeze force (RSF) is preferably zero. 
     Example 1 
     12 minute protocol, wherein the fractional squeeze force is about 28% to about 35% of the maximum squeeze force, preferably about 30%. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Time 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Maximum squeeze force, first hand 
                 3 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Rest 
                 10 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Maximum squeeze force, second hand 
                 3 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Rest 
                 10 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Fractional squeeze force, first hand 
                 2 
                 minutes 
               
               
                   
                 Rest 
                 1 
                 minute 
               
               
                   
                 Fractional squeeze force, second hand 
                 2 
                 minutes 
               
               
                   
                 Rest 
                 1 
                 minute 
               
               
                   
                 Fractional squeeze force, first hand 
                 2 
                 minutes 
               
               
                   
                 Rest 
                 1 
                 minute 
               
               
                   
                 Fractional squeeze force, second hand 
                 2 
                 minutes 
               
               
                   
                 End of exercise 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Example 2 
     7 minute protocol, wherein the fractional squeeze force is about 35% to about 55% of the maximum squeeze force, preferably about 50%. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Time 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Maximum squeeze force, first hand 
                 3 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Rest 
                 10 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Maximum squeeze force, second hand 
                 3 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Rest 
                 10 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Fractional squeeze force, first hand 
                 90 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Rest 
                 1 
                 minute 
               
               
                   
                 Fractional squeeze force, second hand 
                 90 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Rest 
                 1 
                 minute 
               
               
                   
                 Fractional squeeze force, first hand 
                 90 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 Rest 
                 1 
                 minute 
               
               
                   
                 Fractional squeeze force, second hand 
                 90 
                 seconds 
               
               
                   
                 End of exercise 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Having now described a few embodiments of the invention, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Numerous modifications and other embodiments are within the scope of the invention and any equivalent thereto. It can be appreciated that variations to the present invention would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is intended to include those alternatives. 
     The apparatus of the present invention may be used to carry out an exercise regimen that lowers the resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures of users. A method of the present invention is also provided for lowering the resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures of users as well as providing a protocol for increasing parasympathetic nerve activity and improving peripheral artery function. The protocol also adds to a person&#39;s nitric oxide production. 
     Advantages of the present invention include recognition that isometric exercise is an effective means for a patient, i.e. user, to lower both resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Another advantage of the present invention is that lowering resting blood pressure can be achieved utilizing isometric contractions far short of maximal force. Isometric contractions at maximum force could cause blood pressure to rise to dangerous levels, especially in hypertensive patients. Yet another advantage is an isometric exercise regimen that takes but a few minutes a day and yet is effective in lowering the user&#39;s resting blood pressure. 
     In addition to lowering the user&#39;s resting blood pressure, it has been found that an inherent aspect of the method of the invention is that the method restricts blood flow when the user squeezes the apparatus at the fractional squeeze force (FSF). The restricted blood flow reduces localized necrosis due to obstruction of blood supply, such as which may be experienced by a user during a future event. According to one exemplary embodiment, when the user squeezes the apparatus at the fractional squeeze force (FSF) for a time such as T1, blood flow will be restricted during that time T1. 
     Further, since numerous modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.