Impact of Resistance Training Intensity on Blood Pressure

Significant inconsistencies in the literature have led to resistance exercise often being overlooked as a method for managing high blood pressure and hypertension. The method of prescribing resistance exercise, whether it is based on load intensity (i.e., % of one-repetition maximum [1-RM]), perceived effort intensity (i.e., using a perception scale), or a combination of both, likely contributes to these inconsistencies. However, for inactive older adults, a growing number of studies suggest that lifting low loads (< 60% 1-RM) with high effort intensity, close to or until momentary muscle failure, is a promising approach for various health outcomes. However, it remains to be determined if this approach is acceptable and effective for blood pressure control. Moreover, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting marked sex differences in the acute and chronic blood pressure responses to resistance exercise, with women potentially benefiting more from low load intensity. This is particularly important because it has been reported that postmenopausal women achieve less adequate blood pressure control than men. Researchers propose to explore the effects of low-intensity resistance exercise (50% 1-RM) performed with high perceived effort intensity on post-exercise hypotension, known for its association with the long-term benefits of resistance training, and ambulatory blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Given that high-intensity load resistance training (≥ 75-80% 1-RM) is currently suggested and associated with chronic reductions in resting systolic blood pressure, researchers will also test whether this potential difference remains at a high load intensity (80% 1-RM) with high perceived effort intensity. These hypotheses will be tested while exploring the mechanisms related to post-exercise hypotension, taking into account enjoyment and affective valence, two important factors related to long-term exercise adherence.

Objective #1 (Primary): Examine the acute effects of low-intensity (50% 1-RM) and high-intensity (80% 1-RM) resistance exercise with standardized effort intensity (2 repetitions in reserve; [RIR]) on post-exercise hypotension and ambulatory blood pressure responses in aging women with normal-high resting blood pressure or hypertension.

Objective #2 (Secondary): Deepen the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of acute blood pressure reductions in response to resistance exercise performed at different load intensities. To this end, autonomic activity will be estimated alongside the measurement of central arterial compliance and serum biomarkers of endothelial function.

Objective #3 (Secondary): Document the affective valence and pleasure associated with low-intensity (50% 1-RM) and high-intensity (80% 1-RM) resistance exercise performed at high perceived effort.

A randomized crossover study including three experimental conditions will be conducted: CON, LL-RE (50% 1-RM), and HL-RE (80% 1-RM). A total of 36 women will be recruited according to these inclusion criteria: aged 50 to 70 years, absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, normal-high resting blood pressure (120 ≤ Systolic ≤ 139 mmHg and 80 ≤ Diastolic ≤ 89 mmHg) or stage 1 hypertension (140 ≤ Systolic ≤ 159 mmHg or 90 < Diastolic ≤ 99 mmHg), physically inactive (< 150 minutes of structured aerobic physical activity per week), and not engaging in regular resistance exercise (≥ 2 sessions per week) for more than 3 months during the year. Exclusion criteria include: orthopedic limitations or other contraindications to resistance exercise, scheduled surgery during the study, unstable hypertension (≥ 160/100 mmHg), diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular event in the past 6 months or sequelae preventing exercise, and initiation of hormonal replacement therapy (< 4 months) known to affect blood pressure. Eligible participants will be invited to the research center for a preliminary visit, and the following variables will be collected: resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, fasting metabolic profile, body composition, socio-demographic data, medical history, physical activity habits (questionnaires), and 1-RM tests to estimate the load to be used during experimental conditions. In the following two weeks (maximum), a familiarization period will take place, consisting of 2 sessions to familiarize participants with the exercises and the concept of perceived effort during this type of training. The experimental period will then begin with ≥ 72 hours between the 3 visits. During each experimental condition, blood pressure and heart rate variability will be assessed before and after the training session at regular intervals (every 20 minutes for 60 minutes), and ambulatory over 24 hours (non-dominant arm, every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night). Blood samples and ultrasound measurements of carotid arterial compliance will also be collected before, immediately after the experimental portion (exercise), and 60 minutes later. In the 12 hours preceding the experimental conditions, participants must refrain from consuming caffeine and alcohol and limit moderate to vigorous physical activity. In the 24 hours following the experimental conditions, muscle soreness, food intake, and physical activity level will be assessed.

This study will be the first to determine if there are differences in the acute blood pressure responses to different load intensities during resistance exercises with a standardized effort intensity, a key variable in the prescription of resistance exercises for various health outcomes. The results will directly contribute to the existing knowledge on the impact of resistance exercise on blood pressure control in females, while taking into account patient-reported outcomes (affective valence and pleasure). These perspectives can provide valuable guidance to researchers and policymakers when evaluating the feasibility of implementing such an approach in clinical practice. Consequently, the results will help update exercise recommendations for blood pressure management and offer insights into the potential mechanisms responsible for hypotension.

Inclusion criteria

• aged 50 to 70 years;
• absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months;
• normal-high resting blood pressure (120 ≤ Systolic ≤ 139 mmHg and 80 ≤ Diastolic ≤ 89 mmHg) or stage 1 hypertension (140 ≤ Systolic ≤ 159 mmHg or 90 < Diastolic ≤ 99 mmHg);
• physically inactive (< 150 minutes of structured aerobic physical activity per week);
• and not engaging in regular resistance exercise (≥ 2 sessions per week) for more than 3 months during the year.

Exclusion criteria

• orthopedic limitations or other contraindications to resistance exercise;
• scheduled surgery during the study;
• unstable hypertension (≥ 160/100 mmHg);
• diagnosis of type 2 diabetes;
• cardiovascular event in the past 6 months or sequelae preventing exercise;
• and initiation of hormonal replacement therapy (< 4 months) known to affect blood pressure.