Changes in Muscle Quality after Physical Rehabilitation Reduce Blood Pressure in Weightlifters with Arterial Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Hypertension is a frequent diagnosis in power athletes. Aim. To assess the effect of increased muscle oxidative capacity on blood pressure in athletes with arterial hypertension from power sports, heavy weight categories. Material and methods. The study was conducted at the Department of Sports Medicine of the Russian State University of Physical Culture, Sports, Youth and Tourism and lasted 180 days. The study involved 65 representatives of strength sports (weightlifting), heavy weight categories with arterial hypertension. Athletes were randomized into two main groups: the HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training, n=23) group, the MICE (Moderate Intensity Continuous Exercise, n=22) group and the RT (Resistance Training, n=20) control group. The following methods were used to achieve the aim of the study: ergospirometry, muscle tissue oxygenation level measurement, blood pressure measurement and methods of mathematical statistics. Athletes in the main groups trained for 180 days (3 times per week) on a cycle ergometer using a high-intensity interval and uniform protocol, and participants in the control group trained for 180 days (3 times per week) according to their traditional strength protocol. Results. After 180 days of physical rehabilitation, participants of the main groups had increased oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold, decreased thigh muscle oxygenation and increased maximum oxygen consumption, resulting in an average decrease in systolic blood pressure of 11.1 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of 11.2 mm Hg in the intervention groups. Conclusion. The physical rehabilitation systems we have developed for power athletes allow us to effectively and safely influence the oxidative capacity of working muscles and blood pressure, but the time spent by athletes on non-specific training activities in the HIIT system is 38% less.