Intra-arterial blood pressure traits during and after heavy resistance exercise in healthy males

Abstract

This randomized within-subjects crossover-designed study evaluated intra-arterial blood pressure (BP) traits in seven healthy males (24 ± 1 years) during heavy resistance exercise (HRE) to failure (10 × 5 repetitions, 5RES) and not to failure (10 × 3 repetitions, 3RES), both at 5RM load. By combining few repetitions, avoidance of Valsalva maneuver, and restricting the duration of each contraction, we hypothesized (a) that HRE could be performed without acute excessive elevated BP; (b) a dose relationship regarding acute BP elevation following 5RES versus 3RES; and (c) both modes of HRE to induce post-exercise hypotension (PEH). BP was measured before, during, and throughout 90 minutes post-exercise. Systolic BP and mean arterial pressure decreased during 3RES (P