Resistance training (RT) has been widely recommended for improvement of some health-related physical fitness components. Recently, the impact of RT in individuals with chronic-degenerative dysfunctions such as hypertension has been discussed. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of one program of resistance training performed at different intensities on post-exercise blood pressure response. Therefore, sixteen apparently healthy young women (20.5 ± 1.5 year-old) were randomly separated in two groups after having been submitted to an eight-week RT for equalization of muscular fitness levels. Each group then performed 12 weeks of RT prescribed by one of two different-intensity protocols (GI = 3 x 6-8 RM; GII = 3 x 10-12 RM; three alternated days per week). Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were assessed at rest and at minutes 1, 5, 10 and 30 after training, through auscultatory technique. Two-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used for comparison between groups at the different moments, and Scheffé post-hoc test (a = 5%) was applied to point out where the differences occur. No significant statistical difference (P > 0.05) was found for SBP or DBP between groups at any moment. However, the RT hypotensive effect was observed only for GI, with the SBP showing a significant reduction when compared to rest values at minutes 10 and 30 of recovery (P < 0.05). In conclusion, only higher intensity resistance training can exert a slightly acute hypotensive effect on young females.
weight exercises; blood pressure; women's health
