Addition of resistance training during aerobic exercise prolongs the duration of post-exercise hypotension

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the addition of resistance training in aerobic exercises during post-exercise hypotension (PEH). Methods: Nine normotensive males, aged between 20 and 35 years were subjected to two experimental sessions on a cycle ergometer: (1) aerobic exercise performed on a cycle ergometer (62% and 68% of reserve heart rate [HR]) (S1); (2) the same training as S1, with the addition of elbow flexioning (S2). Both sessions lasted 20 minutes. Results: The systolic blood pressure of S2 (rest = 122.6 ± 2.7 to 30 recovery = 108.8 ± 2.2 to 45 recovery = 110.8 ± 2.4 mmHg and 60 recovery = 107.3 ± 7.3) showed PEH for a longer period of time than in S1 (rest = 121.7 ± 3.9 to 15 recovery = 112.2 ± 2.8 to 30 recovery = 108.1 ± 2.8 mmHg). Conclusion: The results suggest that the duration of PEH is dependent of amount of motor units involved.