The Acute Effect of Total Resistance Training Load on Blood Pressure

Abstract

Systemic arterial hypertension is a multifactorial disease with high prevalence in the elderly population. Resistance training has shown promising results in reducing hypertension; finding mainly explained by the post-exercise hypotensive effect. PURPOSE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the acute effect of the total resistance training load on blood pressure (BP). METHODS: A systematic search of articles evaluating post-exercise BP responses published until June 2016 was performed in 6 databases. Risk of bias was assessed using a 5 point Likert-type scale. Hedge’s standardized mean difference effect size (ES) was calculated for each result; then, ESs pooled using random-effects models. Non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) were considered statistically significant. Heterogeneity was assessed using Q and I2, while funnel plots and Egger’s regression test were used to assess small-study effects (potential bias). The z-test was computed to determine whether ESs were different from zero. RESULTS: Twelve studies were selected, representing 171 subjects for a total of 342 ESs. For systolic BP, the overall ES was -0.86 (CI95% = -0.73, -1.02; z ≠ 0, p < 0.05), which translates to a reduction of 6.3 mmHg. For diastolic BP, the ES was -0.51 (CI95% =, -0.62, -0.40; z ≠ 0, p < 0.05), which translates to a reduction of 3.3 mmHg. Normotensive and physically-active participants who were prescribed exercise intensities based on submaximal tests showed higher reductions in BP than hypertensive, sedentary, and when one maximal repetition (1-RM) was used for exercise intensity prescription (p < 0.05). Significant reductions in diastolic BP following exercise were observed with higher session total training load (r = -0.23, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The total resistance training load is highly correlated to post-exercise BP reductions, providing significant clinical benefits for patients.