Static Stretch Performed After Strength Training Session Induces Hypotensive Response in Trained Men

Sousa, AC, Gomes, TM, Sousa, MS, Saraiva, AR, Araujo, GS, Figueiredo, T, and Novaes, JS. Static stretch performed after strength training session induces hypotensive response in trained men. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2981-2990, 2019-The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of 3 different combinations between passive static stretching exercises (SE) with resistance training (RT) on blood pressure (BP) response in normotensive trained men. Twenty-six volunteer subjects (age: 26.1 ± 5.4 years; body mass: 86.5 ± 10.5 kg; height: 1.78 ± 0.6 cm) participated in this study. After assessing 10 repetition maximum loads for the bench press, lat pulldown, shoulder press, leg press, leg extension, and leg curl, the subjects were randomly assigned on 3 experimental conditions: (a) static SE were performed before the RT session (SE + RT); (b) static SE were performed after the RT session (RT + SE); and (c) static SE were performed between the RT session (RTSE). The BP was measured for 60 minutes after the RT session. The 2-way analysis of variance for repeated measures showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the experimental conditions. In within comparisons, only the RT + SE experimental condition did not cause significant increases (p = 0.07) on systolic blood pressure (SBP) when compared the baseline and post-test moments (132.2 ± 10.7 vs. 141.3 ± 18.1 mm Hg). In addition, hypotensive effects were found in SBP only in the RT + SE experimental condition when compared SBP baseline (132.2 ± 10.7 mm Hg) vs. SBP30 minutes (121.7 ± 11.8 mm Hg; p = 0.04), SBP45 minutes (120.6 ± 9.8 mm Hg; p = 0.03), and SBP60 minutes (120.0 ± 7.9 mm Hg; p = 0.00). These findings suggest that performing static SE after the RT session provide an ideal combination for a postexercise hypotensive response from 30 minutes after exercise (and this change was enhanced up to 60 minutes). In conclusion, strength and conditioning professionals can prescribe static SE after RT if the goal is to reduce blood pressure after training.