Post-exercise hypotension (PEH) is a phenomenon with high clinical relevance, despite its doubtful aspects concerning the variables that may contribute to its manifestation. The questioning is even greater when counter-exercise is applied with the purpose to cause PEH. Within this context, the aim of this study was to review some variables of the counter-resistance exercise that may be associated with PEH. Moreover, some physiological mechanisms possibly related to this effect were discussed. Fourteen references were found concerning counter-exercise and PEH. Six studies observed hypotensive effect for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after the counter-resistance exercise. However, it was observed that some studies did not identify significant differences (p > 0.05) for SBP and DBP (n = 4) or even reported significant increase (p < 0.05) (SBP or DBP) (n = 4). These disagreeing results may be related to the exercise volume and intensity, as well as the monitoring period. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify PEH when the counter-resistance exercise is applied, both in normotensive and hypertensive individuals. Despite of that, the physiological mechanisms responsible for this kind of response still remain obscure.
Post-exercise hypotension; Cardiovascular physiology; Strength exercise; Health
