Comparison of Acute Hemodynamic Response to One-Set of Resistance Exercise With Low-Load to Concentric Failure and
Adel Ghorbani1, Payam Saidie1, Tolou Hasandokht2
1Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran (Mr Ghorbani and Dr Saidie).
Purpose:
This study assessed acute physiological responses to a single set of low-load biceps curls to concentric failure resistance exercise (LLCF-RE; 40% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) compared with traditional/recommended high-load resistance exercise (HL-RE; 70% of 1RM, 10 repetitions) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods:
In this randomized crossover clinical trial, 18 patients with stable CAD were randomized to 1 of 2 sequences: (A) LLCF-RE followed by HL-RE 24 to 48 hours later or (B) HL-RE followed by LLCF-RE 24 to 48 hours later. Hemodynamic responses including rate pressure product (RPP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured at baseline, immediately after exercise, and 3-minute post-exercise. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was also assessed.
Results:
Both protocols resulted in significant increases in hemodynamic measures post-exercise (P < .05), with no significant time × condition interactions (P > .05). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between LLCF-RE and HL-RE with small mean biases (RPP: 3.09; SBP: 0.61 mm Hg; DBP: 3.00 mm Hg; HR: 2.28 beats/min; RPE: -0.61) and acceptable limits of agreement (RPP: -30.55 to 36.72; SBP: -25.19 to 26.41 mm Hg; DBP: -10.17 to 16.17 mm Hg; HR: -14.49 to 19.04 beats/min; RPE: -3.47 to 2.25).
Conclusions:
In screened patients with CAD, LLCF-RE elicits similar cardiovascular responses to traditional HL-RE when performed with proper technique. Given its potential advantages, such as reduced joint stress, LLCF-RE may be a suitable alternative for some patients. Further research is warranted to evaluate safety, particularly across multiple sets, and to determine whether LLCF-RE yields comparable long-term benefits to HL-RE in larger and more diverse populations with CAD.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...


