Effect of the Aerobic Component of Combined Training on the Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Elderly Women

Introduction Aerobic (AT), strength (ST) and combined (CT) training are already well referenced as a method for the treatment and control of arterial hypertension (AH) inducing positive changes in blood pressure (BP) reduction, a phenomenon known as post-exercise hypotension (PEH). However, the correct order of combined training to promote PEH is still unclear. Objective To verify the effect of the order of the aerobic component in combined training on PEH among hypertensive elderly women. Methods Randomized clinical trial of 24 elderly hypertensive women allocated to three training groups: Group 1 - Aerobic + Strength Training (AT + ST), Group 2 - Strength + Aerobic Training (ST + AT) and Group 3 - Aerobic + Strength + Aerobic Training (AT + ST + AT). Participants underwent AT at 60% heart rate reserve intensity for 30 minutes and ST with four exercises in three sets of 12 repetitions at 60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) also for 30 minutes. The training involved 24 sessions (three times a week).Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured in all groups at time points before and after each session, and the mean BP (MBP) was calculated. Results The variables analyzed did not differ significantly between groups in either the pre- or post-training period. MBP showed a significant reduction only in G1. However, G3 had a greater effect on all the variables analyzed. Conclusion Combined training with an aerobic component (G3) generated a significant post-exercise hypotensive effect over 24 sessions, and is indicated for elderly hypertensive women. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies.