AIM:
To assess which variables of a resistance training program could be associated with greater reduction in resting blood pressure among elderly.
METHODS:
Literature survey was conducted in MEDLINE, SciELO a LILACS databases, covering years 1990 to 2010, using the key words: aging, elderly, blood pressure, strength exercise and resistance training. Following pre-established selection criteria, 16 articles were selected for this review.
RESULTS:
Regular resistance training decreases resting blood pressure in elderly individuals. The magnitude and duration of the hypotensive effect varied among studies, so the positive effect of resistance training was more evident when training included: moderate intensity, greater number of repetitions and at least 16 weeks of duration.
CONCLUSION:
Resistance training promotes lowering blood pressure, but the characteristics of the training protocol influence this response. Moreover, there is still controversy on the subject, and further investigations are necessary.
Aging; Resistance; Training; Cardiovascular; System
