Low- better than high-intensity resistance exercise in lowering BP

Low-intensity resistance exercise, compared with a high-intensity session, more effectively reduces blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension, a study has shown. 

A low-intensity protocol significantly reduced systolic (≈5 mm Hg), diastolic (≈4 mm Hg), and mean arterial BP (≈4 mm Hg). These BP reductions, however, were not observed in participants after the high-intensity resistance exercise. 

In addition, no significant differences were noted between the two exercise protocols in terms of the post-24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). 

“Low-intensity resistance exercise was more effective in decreasing BP in patients with hypertension than a high-intensity protocol,” the researchers said. 

Researchers conducted this crossover clinical trial in 33 participants with hypertension to examine the effects of high- and low-intensity velocity-based resistance exercise on BP measurement. 

Participants underwent two sessions of resistance training: low-intensity (12 repetitions and six sets at 40 percent of one-repetition maximum velocity) and high-intensity (six repetitions and six sets at 80 percent of one-repetition maximum velocity). They then had a 1-week washout period between sessions. Participants were randomized to exercise intensity at the initial session. 

Researchers measured BP using an automated device before and immediately after the two exercise sessions. They also performed 24-h ABPM after the sessions. Significance level was set at 5 percent.