Actively Recruiting
High Blood Pressure and Effect of Acute Resistance Training: Influence of Different Load Intensities on Postexercise Hypotension and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Aging Females
Led by Université de Sherbrooke · Updated on 2025-09-09
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Impact of Resistance Training Intensity on Blood Pressure
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 50 to 70 years
- Has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months
- Has normal-high resting blood pressure (systolic 120-139 mmHg and diastolic 80-89 mmHg) or stage 1 hypertension (systolic 140-159 mmHg or diastolic 90-99 mmHg)
- Physically inactive with less than 150 minutes of structured aerobic activity per week
- Not engaging in regular resistance exercise (2 or more sessions per week) for more than 3 months during the last year
You will not qualify if you...
- Orthopedic limitations or other reasons preventing resistance exercise
- Scheduled surgery during the study period
- Unstable hypertension (160/100 mmHg or higher)
- Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular event in the past 6 months or related complications preventing exercise
- Started hormonal replacement therapy less than 4 months ago
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 2 weeks
Participants attend sessions to familiarize themselves with the exercises and perceived effort during resistance training.
2 visits (in-person)
Duration - Each condition includes a single exercise session with at least 72 hours between conditions
Participants complete three separate exercise conditions including low-load resistance exercise, high-load resistance exercise, and a control condition with rest and cognitive tasks. Blood pressure, heart rate variability, and other cardiovascular and biochemical measures are collected before, during, and after each session.
3 visits (in-person), each separated by at least 72 hours
Duration - 24 hours after each condition
Participants wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours after each experimental condition to assess ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate variability.
Ambulatory monitoring over 24 hours following each exercise session
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Research Center on Aging
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, J1H 2J7
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Eléonor Riesco, Ph.D.
R
Renaud Tremblay, M.Sc.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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