Acute effect of two intensities of aerobic exercise on resting blood pressure of normotensive individuals

Abstract

Objective. Exercise produces physiological responses that generate a blood pressure reduction below the values measured before exercising; such response is evident after exercising and is called post exercise hypotension.

The aim of this study was to compare the differences in the magnitude and duration of post-exercise hypotension made at 2 intensities (50% and 70% of HR reserve) in normotensive and physically active subjects.

Method. Subjects were a total of 10 healthy and physically active men, aged 49, 22 ± 7.03 years. Procedure: randomly performed 3 sessions, 2 at exercise treadmill at different intensities (50% heart rate reserve and 70% heart rate reserve) and a control session. Session lasted 1:35 min, which was divided in 5 minutes of rest, 30 min from the corresponding session and 60 min measuring of blood pressure after the session.

Results. Significant statistical differences were encountered in the systolic blood pressure, realizing decreases in the systolic blood pressure after exercise at 2 different intensities, however the reduction was more durable to exercise at 70% of the heart rate reserve (60 minutes) that 50% of the heart rate reserve (30 minutes).

Conclusion. Validated the existence of the hypotensive effect in systolic blood pressure after 2 sessions of aerobic exercise on treadmill; however the best results are obtained when exercising at an intensity of 70% heart rate reserve.