Acute Blood Pressure Changes Following Resistance Exercise in Adults with Hypertension

Objective: This study aimed to determine the acute effects of specific exercises, commonly used in resistance training programs, performed at two intensities (low and high) with equal volume, on blood pressure in individuals with pharmacologically controlled hypertension. Methods: A crossover clinical trial was conducted with 26 participants with hypertension, each completing two resistance training sessions, one low-intensity and one high-intensity, including squats, rows, deadlifts, and bench presses. The exercise intensity for the first session was randomly assigned, and blood pressure was measured using an automated device before and immediately after each exercise. Comparisons between baseline and post-exercise values were analyzed, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: The results showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased during squats, rows, and deadlifts compared to baseline, with the deadlift producing the highest values. For diastolic blood pressure (DBP), no significant differences were observed from baseline, but the squat and deadlift elicited higher values than the rows and bench press. Additionally, high-intensity training resulted in lower DBP values compared to the low-intensity protocol. Conclusion: Resistance exercise increases SBP regardless of intensity, with the squat and deadlift producing the most significant changes, while high-intensity training leads to lower DBP values than low-intensity protocols in the studied participants.