Changes in Vascular Hemodynamics in Older Women Following 16 Weeks of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if combined (aerobic and anaerobic) training decreases blood pressure (BP) and improves vascular properties. Seventy-nine post-menopausal women were randomly assigned to three groups that trained at different frequencies. VO2max, body composition, BP, and arterial elasticity were evaluated prior to training and after 16 weeks of training. There was a significant time effect (decrease) for resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and rate pressure product (RPP). Exercise SBP, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and RPP also decreased. Changes in total vascular impedance were related to SBP and changes in systemic vascular resistance were related to changes in DBP independent of body composition changes. Our findings suggest that combined training reduces SBP and improves vascular properties; and, that combined training one day/week decreases BP similar to more frequent combined training. Training induced changes in arterial resistance and impedance may be involved in inducing changes in BP.

Physical Activity and the Prevention of Hypertension

“…However, it’s likely the small number of studies among normotensives and prehypertensives, and the fact that these studies were stratified and not combined, may have limited the statistical power of this meta-analysis. Recent studies in 2013 have yielded more promising results[52, 53], with one study reporting that combined aerobic and resistance training for as little as one day/week for each mode of exercise was sufficient to reduce BP among healthy elderly women[52]. …”

To exercise, or, not to exercise, during menopause and beyond

“…Cardiovascular disease is increased in postmenopausal women, and the risk is lower in physically active women [80], by improving antioxidant capacity and decreasing body iron burden [81]. Blood pressure is lower is physically active postmenopausal women compared to healthy sedentary women [80,82], and, resistance training with an intensity of 60% of 1 repeat for 12 weeks has beneficial effects on blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels [83]. Likewise, a modified relaxation technique intervention in Thai postmenopausal women had positive effects in lowering blood pressure as soon as 4 weeks after start of treatment [84].…”

Combined Exercise Training in Postmenopausal Women: Implications for Vascular Hemodynamics

“…In the present issue of The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, Corrick and colleagues assessed the effect of combined (ie, aerobic and resistance) exercise training on vascular hemodynamics in previously sedentary healthy women 60 years and older during a period of 16 weeks. Three combined exercise groups were implemented with aerobic and strength sessions being performed in nonconsecutive days with an increasing frequency from 1 to 3 times every single week.…”