Key result
Progressive resistance training lowers diastolic BP by ~4 mmHg versus control in older adults.
Why the study?
The preliminary effects of progressive resistance training on blood pressure changes in older adults required evaluation.
Does a 12-week progressive resistance training intervention reduce blood pressure in older adults with low muscle strength and no diagnosed CVD?
Does a 12-week progressive resistance training intervention reduce blood pressure in older adults with low muscle strength and no diagnosed CVD?
A 12-week progressive resistance training program significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure and increased muscle strength in older adults, though reductions in systolic blood pressure did not reach statistical significance compared to control.
Supports resistance training for older adults with low muscle strength; extends RCT evidence for nonpharmacological BP control in primary prevention.**[[1]](https://www.sciencedirect.
The INERTIA study evaluated the preliminary effects of a 12-week progressive resistance training (PRT) intervention on changes in blood pressure (BP) in older adults. Older adults (≥60 years) with low muscle strength and no diagnosed CVD were randomized (2:1) to 12 weeks of PRT (n=50) or assessment-only control (n=21). The primary outcome was between-group difference in 12-week changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Secondary outcomes were changes in muscle strength (chest press, leg press), and physical function (short-physical performance battery, SPPB). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA assessed between-group effects (LS mean) and within-group changes. Seventy-one participants (mean (SD); age, 70.1 (6.3) years); 76% female, 43% non-white; 42% on antihypertensive therapy) enrolled, and 61 completed follow-up. Baseline SBP/DBP was 130 (20.2)/82 (12.3) mmHg. Compared with control, PRT produced greater reductions for DBP (difference in change, −4.2 mmHg; 95% CI -8.3, -0.1), but not for SBP (−5.4 mmHg; 95% CI -13.0, 2.2). Within the PRT group, SBP (mean change -5.6 mmHg; 95% CI -11.1, -0.1) and DBP (−3.9 mmHg; 95% CI -6.8, -0.9) decreased significantly, with minimal change in controls. Strength gains (chest press, 11.0 kg; leg press, 63.6 kg) were greater in PRT than controls (all p<0.001), while between-group improvements in SPPB (PRT: 2 points, controls: 1.2 points) were not significant. In older adults, PRT significantly increased muscle strength and reduced DBP beyond controls, with a trend towards clinically meaningful improvements in SBP and physical function. Larger, adequately powered trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
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Laddu et al. (2026) studied this question. 12 weeks of progressive resistance training reduced diastolic BP by 4.2 mmHg (95% CI -8.3 to -0.1) and increased muscle strength versus control in older adults.
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