Acute Effects of Low and High-Speed Resistance Training on Blood Pressure in Older Adults: A Crossover Study

Acute Effects of Low and High-Speed Resistance Training on Blood Pressure in Older Adults: A Crossover Study

The first study was a randomized crossover trial that compared the acute effects of High Speed Resistance Exercise (HSRE) and Traditional Resistance Exercise (TRE) on blood pressure parameters in a sample of frail older adults. Participants performed three experimental sessions (i.e., HSRE, TRE, and a control session [CS]) in a random order and separated from one another by seven days (standard deviation [±] 1 day). Food consumption was maintained constant during 48 h prior to the exercise session and a standard breakfast was offered 60-90 min before the beginning of the experimental sessions. The pharmacological therapy was kept constant during the whole study, and participants took their anti-hypertensive medication at the same time in all experimental days as prescribed by their physician.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Aged ≥60 years; Frail according to Fried's criteria (Fried et al., 2009); Possessed sufficient physical and cognitive abilities to perform all exercises required by the protocol; Had a physician authorization to participate of exercise programs.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participation in a structured physical exercise training program in the past six months; Prescription of hormone replacement therapy and/or psychotropic drugs; Presence of any acute cardiovascular event (e.g., myocardial infarction) or complication in the past six months.