EFFECT OF THE AEROBIC COMPONENT OF COMBINED TRAINING ON THE BLOOD PRESSURE OF HYPERTENSIVE ELDERLY WOMEN

Introduction: Aerobic (AT), strength (ST) and combined (CT) training are already well referenced as a method for the treatment and control of arterial hypertension (AH) inducing positive changes in blood pressure (BP) reduction, a phenomenon known as post-exercise hypotension (PEH). However, the correct order of combined training to promote PEH is still unclear. Objective: To verify the effect of the order of the aerobic component in combined training on PEH among hypertensive elderly women. Methods: Randomized clinical trial of 24 elderly hypertensive women allocated to three training groups: Group 1 - Aerobic + Strength Training (AT + ST), Group 2 - Strength + Aerobic Training (ST + AT) and Group 3 - Aerobic + Strength + Aerobic Training (AT + ST + AT). Participants underwent AT at 60% heart rate reserve intensity for 30 minutes and ST with four exercises in three sets of 12 repetitions at 60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) also for 30 minutes. The training involved 24 sessions (three times a week).Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured in all groups at time points before and after each session, and the mean BP (MBP) was calculated. Results: The variables analyzed did not differ significantly between groups in either the pre- or post-training period. MBP showed a significant reduction only in G1. However, G3 had a greater effect on all the variables analyzed. Conclusion: Combined training with an aerobic component (G3) generated a significant post-exercise hypotensive effect over 24 sessions, and is indicated for elderly hypertensive women.