We determined the effects of static and dynamic muscle contraction at equivalent workloads on central aortic pressure and wave reflection. At random, fourteen healthy men and women (23 ± 5) performed a static handgrip forearm contraction [90s at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)], dynamic handgrip contractions [1 contraction·s^-1, for 180s at 30% MVC], and a control trial. During static and dynamic trials, tension time index was controlled by holding peak tension constant. Measurements of brachial artery blood pressure and the synthesis of a central aortic pressure waveform [by radial artery applanation tonometry and generalized transfer function] were conducted at baseline, following each trial, and following 1 min of post-contraction arterial cuff occlusion. Aortic augmentation index (AI), an index of wave reflection, was calculated from the aortic pressure waveform. AI increased during both static and dynamic trials (static, 5.2 ± 3.1 to 11.8 ± 3.4%; dynamic, 5.8 ± 3.0 to 13.3 ± 3.4%; p<0.05) and further increased during PEI (static, 18.5 ± 3.1%; dynamic, 18.6 ± 2.9%; p<0.05). Peripheral and central systolic and diastolic pressures increased (p<0.05) during both static and dynamic trials and remained elevated during PEI. AI and pressure responses did not differ between static and dynamic trials. Peripheral and central pressures increased similarly during static and dynamic contraction however the rise in central systolic pressure during both conditions was augmented by increased wave reflection. The present data suggest that wave reflection is an important determinant of the central blood pressure response during forearm muscle contractions.