Effects of Different Resistance Training Loads on Blood Pressure and Enjoyment in Women Aged 50 to 70

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of two different resistance training intensities on blood pressure in aging women, specifically those aged 50 to 70 years who have normal-high resting blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension. The trial aims to compare low load 50% of one repetition maximum and high load 80% of one repetition maximum resistance exercise performed at a standardized effort level. The study also explores mechanisms behind blood pressure changes, including autonomic activity, arterial compliance, and biomarkers, while assessing participants enjoyment and emotional response to exercise. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three conditions low-load resistance exercise LL-RE, high-load resistance exercise HL-RE, or a control condition involving a non-fatiguing cognitive task. Both exercise groups perform three sets of leg press, chest press, leg curl, and seated row exercises with rest intervals, following specific movement tempos guided by an app and supervised by an exercise physiologist. The control group sits quietly watching a documentary for 60 minutes. The study includes preliminary assessments, two familiarization visits, and three experimental visits with at least 72 hours between them. During each experimental visit, researchers will measure blood pressure and heart rate variability before, during, and after exercise, including ambulatory monitoring over 24 hours. They will also collect blood samples and ultrasound measurements related to arterial health. Participants will track muscle soreness, food intake, and physical activity following sessions. The study seeks to provide new insights into how resistance exercise affects blood pressure control in postmenopausal women and inform future exercise recommendations.

Impact of Resistance Training Intensity on Blood Pressure