Effect of a muscle strength training program in older adults with hypertension
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v79.118404Keywords:
older adults, exercise physiology, muscle strength, blood pressureAbstract
Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) is a fundamental physiological parameter that reflects the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels, in which the magnitude of the pulse pressure is mainly attributed to the interaction of cardiac stroke volume, arterial system compliance, and arterial flow resistance.
Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of a muscle strength program at 60% of 1RM on blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Methodology: Twenty older adult participants diagnosed with hypertension participated in a strength training program using two pulling and pushing exercises for both the lower and upper body over a duration of 8 weeks, with 3 sessions of 45 minutes per week.
Results: A decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was reported with a small effect size and statistical significance. Diastolic blood pressure also showed a small effect size and was not statistically significant. Mean arterial pressure, however, decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with a medium effect size. Significant increases in muscle strength were observed in all tests performed. The initial seated bilateral push showed improvement with a small effect size, while the seated bilateral row showed an increase with a moderate effect size. Significant values were reported in the right and left unilateral knee extension, along with improvements of small effect size.
Conclusions: A strength training program of 3 weekly sessions, for 8 weeks with loads of 60% of 1RM generates a significant reduction in SBP.
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