Post-exercise hypotension is greater after dynamic resistance than isometric exercise
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2026

Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2019
Aggelos Koutlas1, Ioannis Tsabalakis1, Anastasios Kounoupis2
1Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science at Serres, Greece, Serres.
Abstract:
Post-exercise hypotension (PEH) is a clinically relevant response to acute exercise and a predictor of blood pressure (BP) adaptations to chronic training. Although both dynamic and isometric resistance exercise (RE) are effective complementary strategies for BP management, their comparative effects on PEH remain unclear. This study (i) compared PEH following dynamic-and isometric-RE matched for exercise characteristics and total workload, and (ii) examined systemic hemodynamics and autonomic function during exercise, as cardiovascular perturbations may influence PEH magnitude. In a crossover-design, ten normotensive-young men completed: dynamic-RE and isometric-RE on bilateral-leg-press (2-min×4-sets, 30% of MVC, with equivalent workload), and non-exercise control. BP was measured at rest and for 90 minutes post-intervention. Systemic hemodynamics and baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) were assessed during RE. Dynamic-RE elicited significant PEH (approximately -8mmHg) versus isometric-RE and control (p<0.05-0.01), with reductions in systolic-, diastolic-, and mean-BP evident from 40 to 90 min post-exercise. Isometric-RE did not induce PEH. Dynamic-RE produced greater cardiovascular/autonomic responses, including higher heart-rate, stroke-volume, cardiac-output alongside larger reductions in total-peripheral-resistance and BRS. In conclusion, when matched for exercise characteristics, dynamic but not isometric-RE induced a PEH effect. The PEH effect of dynamic-RE may, in part, be related to its larger cardiovascular/autonomic perturbations, potentially promoting greater postexercise vasodilation.
More Related Videos
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...
Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Measurement of Blood Pressure

