Comparative study of the hypotensive effects of different exercise modalities in normotensive women

Abstract

The decrease of BP below pre-exercise values was named post-exercise hypotension (PEH) and it has been suggested as a prevention of hypertension. Objective: to analyze BP responses of normotensive women after a treadmill and cycle ergometer exercise. Methods: 10 young women volunteered to participate (26,6 ± 2,91 years). They performed 3 experimental sessions: 1) 20 minutes of treadmill running at 70% HRres; 2) 20 minutes of cycle ergometer exercise at 70% HRres; 3) Control session. BP and HR were measured 20 minutes before and 60 minutes after the sessions. Results: PEH of SBP and MBP at 45 (-5,7; -2,9 mmHg) and 60 minutes (-5,2; -4,7 mmHg) of recovery after treadmill running exercise (p<0,05). It was not found PEH after cycle ergometer exercise. Conclusion: treadmill running exercise was more effective to induce PEH than cycle ergometer and may be preferable to protect the cardiovascular system.