The Effects of Resistance Training on Blood Pressure in Preadolescents and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The aim was to systematically review and meta-analyze the current evidence for the effects of resistance training (RT) on blood pressure (BP) as the main outcome and body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents. Two authors systematically searched the PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science Core Collection and EMBASE electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were: (1) children and adolescents (aged 8 to 18 years); (2) intervention studies including RT and (3) outcome measures of BP and BMI. The selected studies were analyzed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool. Eight articles met inclusion criteria totaling 571 participants. The mean age ranged from 9.3 to 15.9 years and the mean BMI of 29.34 (7.24) kg/m2). Meta-analysis indicated that RT reduced BMI significantly (mean difference (MD): −0.43 kg/m2 (95% CI: −0.82, −0.03), P = 0.03; I2 = 5%) and a non-significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP) (MD: −1.09 mmHg (95% CI: −3.24, 1.07), P = 0.32; I2 = 67%) and diastolic BP (DBP) (MD: −0.93 mmHg (95% CI: −2.05, 0.19), P = 0.10; I2 = 37%). Limited evidence suggests that RT has no adverse effects on BP and may positively affect BP in youths. More high-quality studies are needed to clarify the association between RT and BP in light of body composition changes throughout childhood and adolescence.

Efectos del entrenamiento de fuerza sobre el perfil lipídico en niños y adolescentes con sobrepeso y obesidad. Una revisión sistemática

“…Aunque existen revisiones previas que han examinado el papel del EF en la aptitud física y su influencia en la presión arterial en niños y adolescentes (Lesinski et al, 2020;Guillem et al, 2020), ninguna ha abordado específicamente la influencia del EF en el perfil lipídico de esta población con sobrepeso y obesidad. Además, una revisión reciente demostró mejoras en varios parámetros de salud después de un programa de EF en adolescentes obesos, como la fuerza muscular, la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria y el IMC (Ribeiro et al, 2022), pero igualmente no evaluó parámetros relacionados con el perfil lipídico de los jóvenes.…”

Blood pressure response to exercise in children and adolescents

“…Although the positive effects of resistance training on BP values was registered in adults there is limited understanding about the static loading on BP in children and adolescents. The recently published meta-analysis of Guillem et al (18) did not clearly confirm the positive effect of static exercise in young people on BP, but a non-significant decrease in both, systolic and dyastolic BP was observed. Authors explained that although there is limited research in this topic, the results of their research suggest that "resistance training does not have an adverse effect on the BP of children and adolescents and may be beneficial in lowering BP and improving BMI in this population."…”

Effect of Three-Month Weight Training Program on Resting Heart Rate and Blood Pressure in Healthy Young Adult Males

“…Supporting this, Carter et al found that a weight training program helped in reducing the systolic and diastolic BP in normotensive young adults [ 8 ]. In contrast, a meta-analysis found that weight training does not significantly change blood pressure in preadolescents and adolescents [ 9 ]. de Souza Nery et al reported that systolic blood pressure is not increased in normotensive but is slightly elevated among hypertensive individuals during rest after weight training sessions [ 10 ].…”