The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of a 16-week weight training (WT) over blood pressure (BP) in normotensive women. The sample consisted of 21 young women (20.5 ± 2.1 years), non-trained, who were randomly grouped in training group (TG = 13) and control group (CG = 8). The WT protocol was progressively structured, in two phases, with duration of eight weeks each, being performed with weekly frequency of three sessions. BP measurements were conducted at rest through the auscultatory method, in the different moments of the study (baseline, after eight and 16 weeks). The Shapiro-Wilk test was used for analysis of the data normality. Two-way ANOVA for repeated measurements was used for the comparisons between groups during the time, followed by the Scheffé post-hoc test when P < 0.05. A group v. moment interaction was found in the systolic, diastolic and mean BP values, with significant decreases, during the 16 weeks of follow-up, in the order of 5, 8 and 6 mmHg, respectively, in the TG. The outcomes suggest that the 16 week-WT program may cause important reductions in BP in normotensive young women and previously non-trained.
Weight training; Blood pressure; Women
