Active intervals between sets and exercise of resistance exercises potentiate the magnitude of post-exercise hypotension in middle-aged hypertensive women

BACKGROUND

Walking/run promotes greater post-exercise hypotension (PEH) than resistance exercise (RE) which can be associated nitric oxide production. Then, we investigated if adding walking between RE increases PEH.

METHODS

Thirteen hypertensive women (48 ± 1.9 years; 26.8 ± 0.3 kg/m2) performed five experimental sessions: 1-traditional RE with passive interval (PIBS); 2-RE with active interval between sets (AIBS); 3-RE with active interval between exercises (AIEX); 4-aerobic exercise (AE); 5-no exercise. Blood pressure was measured before and immediately after exercise and every 10 min of a 60-min post-exercise recovery period. Plasma nitrite (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also measured.

RESULTS

AIBS, AIEX, and AE sessions promoted systolic PEH (12 ± 1.53; 16 ± 2.13; 18 ± 1.34 mmHg, respectively) and diastolic PEH (8 ± 1.38; 8 ± 0.79; 8 ± 0.58 mmHg). In AIBS, AIEX and AE sessions, significant PEH was noted at 10 or 20 min; in PIBS, PEH was significant only at 40 min. In the PIBS session, NO did not change, but presented higher values after AIBS, AIEX and AE sessions. MDA showed no changes between sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

Passive or active intervals in resistance exercise promote PEH in hypertensive women. Active intervals shorten the PEH onset time as additional benefit.

Effect of exercise modalities on postexercise hypotension in pre- and postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hormonal changes associated with menopause increase the risk of hypertension. Postexercise hypotension (PEH) is an important tool in the prevention and management of hypertension; however, menopause may alter this response. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis [International Prospective Registered of Systematic Review (PROSPERO): CRD42023297557] was to evaluate the effect of exercise modalities (aerobic, AE; resistance, RE; and combined exercise, CE: AE + RE) on PEH in women, according to their menopausal status (premenopausal or postmenopausal). We searched controlled trials in PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Science Direct published between 1990 and March 2023. Inclusion criteria were normotensive, pre- and hypertensive, pre- and postmenopausal women who performed an exercise session compared with a control session and reported systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for at least 30 min after the sessions. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Standardized mean differences (Hedge's g) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and Q-test and Z-test were conducted to assess differences between moderators. Forty-one trials with 718 women (474 menopausal) were included. Overall, we found with moderate evidence that SBP and DBP decreased significantly after exercise session (SBP: g = -0.69, 95% CI -0.87 to -0.51; DBP: g = -0.31, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.14), with no difference between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Regarding exercise modalities, RE is more effective than AE and CE in lowering blood pressure (BP) in women regardless of menopausal status. In conclusion, women's menopausal status does not influence the magnitude of PEH, and the best modality to reduce BP in women seems to be RE.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This meta-analysis has demonstrated that a single bout of exercise induces postexercise hypotension (PEH) in women and that the hormonal shift occurring with menopause does not influence the magnitude of PEH. However, we have shown with moderate evidence that the effectiveness of exercise modalities differs between pre- and postmenopausal women. Resistance and combined exercises are the best modalities to induce PEH in premenopausal women, whereas resistance and aerobic exercises are more effective in postmenopausal women.

Does Caffeine Supplementation Associated with Paralympic Powerlifting Training Interfere with Hemodynamic Indicators?

Exercise, including resistance exercise with high loads, has positive hemodynamic responses such as reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), Pressure Product Rate (PPR), and estimated myocardial oxygen volume (MVO₂). Caffeine (CA), used to improve performance, tends to interfere with BP and HR. This study aimed to analyze the effects of CA supplementation on hemodynamic indicators in Paralympic weightlifting (PP). The exercise was performed on 14 male athletes (32.4 ± 8.5 years; 81.7 ± 21.9 kg) for three weeks. Two conditions were evaluated: supplementation with CA Anhydrous 9 mg/kg and with placebo (PL). The adapted bench press was used, with 5 × 5 at 80% 1RM. We evaluated BP, HR, PPR, and MVO₂, before, after, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 min, and 24 h later. The CA presented higher absolute values in the pressure indicators than the PL, and after 24 h there was an inversion. The HR was higher in the CA and showed a reduction after 10 min. The PPR and MVO₂ in the CA presented absolute values greater than the PL, and 24 h later there was an inversion. There was no hypotensive effect, but the use of CA did not present risks related to PPR and MVO₂, demonstrating the safe use of this supplement in adapted strength sports.

Postexercise Hypotension Is Delayed in Men With Obesity and Hypertension

Background

Postexercise hypotension (PEH) can play a major role in the daily blood pressure management among individuals with hypertension. However, there are limited data on PEH in persons with obesity and hypertension, and no PEH data in this population beyond 90 min postexercise.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if PEH could be elicited in men with obesity and hypertension during a 4-h postexercise measurement period.

Methods

Seven men [age = 28 ± 4 years; body mass index = 34.6 ± 4.8 kg/m²; brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP): 138 ± 4 mmHg; brachial diastolic BP (DBP): 80 ± 5 mmHg; central SBP: 125 ± 4 mmHg; central DBP: 81 ± 8 mmHg] performed two exercise sessions on a cycle ergometer, each on a separate day, for 45 min at ∼65% VO_2max. One exercise session was performed at a cadence of 45 RPM and one at 90 RPM. Blood pressure was monitored with a SunTech Oscar2 ambulatory blood pressure monitor for 4 h after both exercise sessions, and during a time-matched control condition.

Results

Both brachial and central SBP were not changed during the first h postexercise but were reduced by ∼5-11 mmHg between 2 and 4 h postexercise (p < 0.05) after both exercise sessions. Brachial and central DBP were elevated by ∼5 mmHg at 1 h postexercise (p < 0.05) but were ∼2-3 mmHg lower compared to control at 4 h postexercise, and ∼2-4 mmHg lower at 3 h postexercise compared to baseline. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was elevated compared to control at 1 h postexercise after both exercise sessions, but was ∼2-3 mmHg lower compared to control at 2, 3, and 4 h postexercise, and ∼4-7 mmHg lower at 3 h postexercise compared to baseline.

Conclusion

Despite the small sample size and preliminary nature of our results, we conclude that PEH is delayed in men with obesity and hypertension, but the magnitude and duration of PEH up to 4 h postexercise is similar to that reported in the literature for men without obesity and hypertension. The PEH is most pronounced for brachial and central SBP and MAP. The virtually identical pattern of PEH after both exercise trials indicates that the delayed PEH is a reproducible finding in men with obesity and hypertension.

Effect of different recovery modes during resistance training with blood flow restriction on hormonal levels and performance in young men: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) results in hypertrophy, and its magnitude depends on various training variables. This study aimed to compare the long-term effect of passive recovery (PR) and active recovery (AR) during low-intensity resistance training with BFR on hormonal levels and performance in young men.

METHODS

In the randomized clinical trial, 20 men were randomly divided into PR and AR groups during resistance training with BFR. The intervention consisted of six upper and lower body movements with 30% of one maximum repetition (1RM), three sessions per week for six weeks. Both groups wore pneumatic cuffs on the proximal part of thighs and arms. The cuff pressure was 60% of the calculated arterial blood occlusion and increased 10% every two weeks. The AR group performed seven repetitions in 30 s break between sets by one second for concentric and eccentric phases and two seconds rest, and the other group had passive rest. The blood samples and a series of performance tests were gathered before and after the intervention. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze data.

RESULTS

AR and PR interventions significantly improved the C-reactive protein (CRP) (- 38% vs. - 40%), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (- 11% vs. - 3%), Sargent jump (9% vs. 10%), peak power (20% vs.18%), and average power (14% vs. 14%), upper 1RM (8% vs. 8%) and no significant differences were observed between groups. The AR intervention significantly increased growth hormone (GH) (423% vs. 151%, p = 0.03), lower body 1RM (18% vs. 11%) and muscle endurance (34% vs. 22% for the upper body, p = 0.02 and 32% vs. 24% for the lower body, p = 0.04) than the PR group. The PR intervention further increased the minimum power than the AR group (19% vs. 10%). There were no significant changes in testosterone (p = 0.79) and cortisol (p = 0.34) following interventions.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicated that by increasing muscle activation and higher metabolic load, AR during resistance training with BFR might cause more remarkable improvements in serum GH, muscle strength, and endurance. Thus, to gain further benefits, AR during training with BFR is recommended.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRCT20191207045644N1. Registration date: 14/03/2020. URL: https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20191207045644N1.

200.000 IU of vitamin D does not reduce resting Blood Pressure and Inhibit Post-Exercise Hypotension in elderly women: a pilot study

Given the scarcity of studies with elderly and the existence of studies investigating the effect of vitamin D supplementation in PEH (post exercise hypotension), this study evaluated the effect of a single megadose of vitamin D on resting blood pressure (RBP) and post-exercise hypotension (PEH) in the elderly. 11 hypertensive elderly women (70.3 ± 1.7 years) received a single megadose of 200.000 IU of cholecalciferol or a placebo, orally, through capsules. On day 7, the subjects performed 30 minutes of aerobic exercise with blood pressure measurement before exercise and every 10 minutes after exercise during 60 minutes, besides cardiac autonomic modulation. RBP did not significantly change. Exercise promoted significant systolic PEH only in one moment post exercise in treated group and in the placebo group promoted significant systolic PEH at four moments. Significant diastolic PEH did not occur in any of the groups. Sympathovagal activity increased at post exercise balance in supplemented subjects at 20 min, 40 min, 50 min and 60 min when compared to rest; this increase was not observed in the placebo. A megadose of vitamin D did not reduce RBP, promoted partial inhibition of systolic PEH and increased sympathovagal balance.

Spirulina Platensis Supplementation Coupled to Strength Exercise Improves Redox Balance and Reduces Intestinal Contractile Reactivity in Rat Ileum

The blue alga Spirulina platensis has presented several pharmacological activities, highlighting its actions as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In addition, there are few studies with the influence of strength training on physiological parameters, as intestinal contractility and oxidative cell damage. We evaluated the influence of S. platensis supplementation, strength training, and its association on contractile reactivity of rat ileum, as well as the balance of oxidative stress/antioxidant defenses. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into; sedentary (S); S + supplemented with algae at 50 (S50), 150 (S150), and 500 mg/kg (S500); trained (T); and T + supplemented (T50, T150, and T500). Contractile reactivity was analyzed by kymographs; oxidative stress on ileum by the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation; and the antioxidant capacity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. S. platensis supplementation reduced the reactivity of rat ileum to carbachol (CCh) and KCl, while training reduced only the CCh efficacy. In addition, association potentiated the reduction on contractile reactivity. Supplementation reduced the oxidative stress and increased oxidation inhibition; training alone did not alter this parameter, however association potentiated this beneficial effect. Therefore, this study demonstrated that both supplementation and its association with strength training promote beneficial effects regarding intestinal contractile reactivity and oxidative stress, providing new insights for intestinal disorders management.

Aortic Response to Strength Training and Spirulina platensis Dependent on Nitric Oxide and Antioxidants

Studies have shown that supplementation with Spirulina platensis improves vascular reactivity. However, it is unclear whether in association with strength training this effect can be enhanced. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of strength training and S. platensis on the reactivity of the aorta from Wistar rat and the possible mechanisms involved. The animals were supplemented with S. platensis and divided into sedentary (SG, SG50, SG150, and SG500) and trained groups (TG, TG50, TG150, and TG500). Nitrite, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activity were determined by biochemical assays. To evaluate vascular response, cumulative concentration—response curves to phenylephrine (PHE) and acetylcholine (ACh) were constructed. L-NAME was used to assess the participation of nitric oxide (NO). It was observed that the PHE contractile potency was reduced in TG50, TG150, and TG500 groups compared to SG50, SG150, and SG500 groups, respectively. However, the presence of L-NAME increased the contractile response in all groups. Strength training potentiated the increase in relaxing activity induced by S. platensis, where the pCE₅₀ values of ACh increased in TG150 and TG500. These responses were accompanied by increased nitrite production, MDA reduction and increased antioxidant activity in the aorta of both TG150 and TG500 groups. Thus, the present study demonstrated that combined with strength training, S. platensis potentiates vascular improvement through the participation of NO and reduction of oxidative stress.

Cardiovascular Responses to Unilateral, Bilateral, and Alternating Limb Resistance Exercise Performed Using Different Body Segments

Moreira, OC, Faraci, LL, de Matos, DG, Mazini Filho, ML, da Silva, SF, Aidar, FJ, Hickner, RC, and de Oliveira, CEP. Cardiovascular responses to unilateral, bilateral and alternating limb resistance exercise performed using different body segments. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 644-652, 2017-The aim of this study was to verify and compare the cardiovascular responses to unilateral, bilateral, and alternating limb resistance exercise (RE) performed using different body segments. Fifteen men experienced in RE were studied during biceps curls, barbell rows, and knee extension exercises when performed bilaterally, unilaterally, and using alternating limbs. The protocol consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of 10 repetition maximum with 2-minute rest between sets. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured after the last repetition. There was a statistically significant increase in HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and rate pressure product (RPP), from rest to postexercise. The RPP was higher in the third set of all exercises and in all 3 forms of execution, when compared with the first set. Bilateral biceps curls caused a greater increase in RPP (first and second sets) and HR, compared with the same exercise performed unilaterally. Furthermore, the performance of bilateral biceps curls induced greater HR and RPP, in all sets, compared with bilateral knee extension and barbell rows. There was also a significantly higher SBP for the alternating second and third sets and also for the bilateral third set of the knee extensions as compared with the barbell rows. It was concluded from the data of this study that the cardiovascular response was increased from rest to postexercise in all forms of exercise, especially immediately after the third set of RE. For exercises performed bilaterally with the upper body (biceps curls), there was a greater cardiovascular response when compared with the same exercise performed unilaterally or with lower-body exercise performed bilaterally.

Fractionated Concurrent Exercise throughout the Day Does Not Promote Acute Blood Pressure Benefits in Hypertensive Middle-aged Women

Hypertension is a chronic disease that affects about 30% of the world’s population, and the physical exercise plays an important role on its non-pharmacological treatment. Anywise, the dose–response of physical exercise fractionation throughout the day demands more investigation, allowing new exercise prescription possibilities. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the acute blood pressure (BP) kinetics after 1 h of exercises and the BP reactivity after different concurrent exercise (CE) sessions and its fractioning of hypertensive middle-aged women. In this way, 11 hypertensive women voluntarily underwent three experimental sessions and one control day [control session (CS)]. In the morning session (MS) and night session (NS), the exercise was fully realized in the morning and evening, respectively. For the fractionized session (FS), 50% of the volume was applied in the morning and the remaining 50% during the evening. The MS provided the greatest moments (p ≤ 0.05) of post-exercise hypotension (PEH) for systolic BP (SBP) and highest reduction of BP reactivity for SBP (~44%) and diastolic BP (DBP) (~59%) compared to CS (p ≤ 0.05). The findings of the present study have shown that MS is effective for PEH to SBP, as well as it promotes high quality of attenuation for BP reactivity, greater than the other sessions.

Blood Pressure Responses after a Session of Functional Training in Young Adults and the Elderly: A Pilot Study

Purpose. The potential of functional training (FT) to improve health is evident. However, regarding post-exercise hypotension (PEH) in older adults, there are few data. The study aimed to determine the cardiometabolic demand imposed by an FT session and evaluate PEH, comparing it with exercise sessions with aerobic and resistance exercises in physically active practitioners.

Methods. Fourteen young (23.3 ± 2 years) and 15 older (68 ± 4 years) adults underwent a control session and FT session randomly determined. Blood pressure, heart rate, and double product were recorded at rest, during exercise, and in every 10 minutes over 60 minutes of recovery. Additionally, we measured the rate of perceived exertion (RPE).

Results. The FT protocol promoted systolic PEH in both groups in the last half of recovery, reaching a reduction of 10.4 ± 4.9 mm Hg in young and 13.4 ± 3.8 mm Hg in older adults (p < 0.05). No differences were observed between the groups (p > 0.05). There were no differences between the groups with reference to RPE at any time (p > 0.05).

Conclusions. A single FT session is able to promote PEH in normotensive young and borderline hypertensive older adults but without changing the RPE in comparison over the time, owing to a great similarity of FT practices in the groups.

Tai-chi-chuan and yoga onpostexercise hypotension: comparison to aerobic and resistance exercise

Abstract Introduction: Tai-Chi-Chuan and Yoga have becoming popular practices. However is unclear the cardiovascular effects, and if they present similar behavior to aerobic and resistance sessions. Objective: To evaluate the cardiovascular responses during the session and post-exercise hypotension (PEH) of Tai Chi Chuan (TS) and Yoga (YS) in comparison to aerobic (AS) and resistance (SR) exercises. Methods: Fourteen young women (22.3 ± 2 years) apparently healthy performed four sessions (AS, RS, TS and YS). The heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded at resting, during (every 10 minutes) and until 50 minutes of recovery. Results: AS, RS, TS e YS showed significant increase in HR compared to resting.AS at 10, 30 e 50 minutes in relation to RS, TS e YS. The RS in relation to TS and YS at 10, 30 and 50 minutes. No significant difference between TS and YS. SBP was significantly increased in AS, RS, TS e YS at 10, 30 e 50 minutes during the session, in relation to rest. AS was significantly higher at 30 e 50 minutes than RS and higher than TS and YS at 10, 30 e 50 minutes. No significant difference in DBP. For PEH, AS, RS and TS significantly reduced at 10, 30 and 50 minutes. YS reduced at 50 minutes. No significant diastolic PEH. Conclusion: TS and YS showed as safe alternatives of exercising in the normotensive young adult woman, despite having lower values, they promote similar hemodynamic behavior to AS and RS.

O VOLUME DE EXERCÍCIOS RESISTIDOS INFLUENCIA A REATIVIDADE DA PRESSÃO ARTERIAL AO ESTRESSE

Introdução A hiper-reatividade da pressão arterial (PA) ao estresse pode estar associada ao desenvolvimento da hipertensão arterial. Porém a realização prévia de exercícios físicos tem se mostrado eficaz em atenuar esta elevação da PA ao estresse subsequente. Objetivo Verificar o efeito do volume da sessão de exercícios resistidos (ER) sobre a reatividade da PA (RV) ao estresse induzido. Métodos Quarenta adultos jovens normotensos foram submetidos a três sessões experimentais em ordem randomizada: Sessão com 2 séries de ER (S2); Sessão com 4 séries de ER (S4); e Sessão controle sem exercícios (SC). S2 e S4 foram realizadas à 70% de uma repetição máxima e compostas por seis exercícios com 10 repetições cada (intervalo de 90s entre séries). Aos 10 minutos de recuperação das sessões experimentais, os voluntários foram submetidos ao Cold Pressor Test (CPT), que é um protocolo de estresse no qual a mão direita é submergida em água gelada (4 a 5º C) durante 1 minuto para determinar a RV. A PA sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD), média (PAM) e frequência cardíaca (FC) foram mensuradas no repouso pré-sessões experimentais (20 minutos) e imediatamente após o CPT. Resultados Em resposta ao estresse induzido pelo CPT a FC não diferenciou após sessões experimentais (SC: 98±9 vs. S2: 107±12 vs. S4: 113±13 bpm; P>0,05). Entretanto, após a sessão de ER de maior volume, ocorreu atenuação da RV na PAS (SC: 145±18 vs. S2: 142±16 vs. S4: 133±15 mmHg; P<0,05), PAD (SC: 96±13 vs. S2: 90±14 vs. S4: 86±12 mmHg; P<0,05) e PAM (SC: 89±10 vs. S2: 91 ± 5 vs. S4: 91±4 mmHg; P<0,05). Conclusão O maior volume (4 séries vs. 2 séries) na sessão de ER resultou em atenuação da reatividade da PA frente ao estresse induzido.

Resistance exercise with different volumes: blood pressure response and forearm blood flow in the hypertensive elderly

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two sessions of resistance exercise with different volumes on post-exercise hypotension, forearm blood flow, and forearm vascular resistance in hypertensive elderly subjects.

Methods

The study was conducted with ten hypertensive elderly (65±3 years, 28.7±3 kg/m²) subjected to three experimental sessions, ie, a control session, exercise with a set (S1), and exercise with three sets (S3). For each session, the subjects were evaluated before and after intervention. In the pre-intervention period, blood pressure, forearm blood flow, and forearm vascular resistance were measured after 10 minutes of rest in the supine position. Thereafter, the subjects were taken to the gym to perform their exercise sessions or remained at rest during the same time period. Both S1 and S3 comprised a set of ten repetitions of ten exercises, with an interval of 90 seconds between exercises. Subsequently, the measurements were again performed at 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 minutes of recovery (post-intervention) in the supine position.

Results

Post-exercise hypotension was greater in S3 than in S1 (systolic blood pressure, −26.5±4.2 mmHg versus −17.9±4.7 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure, −13.8±4.9 mmHg versus −7.7±5 mmHg, P<0.05). Similarly, forearm blood flow and forearm vascular resistance changed significantly in both sessions with an increase and decrease, respectively, that was more evident in S3 than in S1 (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Resistance exercises with higher volume were more effective in causing post-exercise hypotension, being accompanied by an increase in forearm blood flow and a reduction of forearm vascular resistance.