Hemodynamics and functional outcomes after resistance training in hypertensive and normotensive elderly: An experimental study

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the chronic effects of resistance training on resting blood pressure, handgrip strength, gait speed, and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) in normotensive and hypertensive elderly individuals. Methods: Experimental study based on TREND. Hypertensive patients were diagnosed by an independent doctor. Before and after 12 weeks of progressive resistance training, we evaluated blood pressure, heart rate, body composition, Timed Up and Go test, gait speed, and handgrip strength. Results: Sample consisted of 41 participants divided into two groups (normotensive n = 28; hypertensive n = 13). We observed significant values in the reduction of blood pressure levels only in the group of hypertensive participants. In functionality outcomes, we observed significant values in all tests and both groups. Outcomes contemplate effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. Conclusion: Progressive resistance training lowers resting blood pressure levels, increases handgrip strength, and improves physical functional performance. Although the normotensive group did not show a reduction in blood pressure levels, an improvement was observed in the functional physical tests.

Resistence exercise improves anxiety and depression in middle-age women / Exercício resistido melhora a ansiedade e depressão de mulheres de meia-idade

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare levels of anxiety and depression of middle-aged women trained in resistance exercise and sedentary. Forty women, 20 exercised (GT) and 20 non-exercised (CG) (GT = 56.9 ± 6.6 years, 27.3 ± 4.8 kg/m2), (CG = 51.5 ± 5.0 years, 27.0 ± 7.7 kg/m2) underwent the study. The participants answered the HAD scale with 14 questions related to levels of anxiety and depression. The CG had higher scores of depression and anxiety than GT. The results for anxiety (GT = 5.2 ± 2.7, CG = 9.5 ± 4.0) and depression (GT = 4.1 ± 2.6, CG = 7.7 ± 4.0) differed significantly (P<0.05) between groups. Middle-Aged women who participated in a resistance exercise program presented a better mental health as evidenced by a lower levels of depression and anxiety in relation to sedentary counterpartners.

RESUMO O estudo comparou níveis de ansiedade e depressão de mulheres treinadas em exercício resistido e de sedentárias. Quarenta mulheres, 20 treinadas (GT) e 20 não treinadas (GC), (GT=56,9±6,6 anos; 27,3±4,8kg/m2), (GC=51,5±5,0 anos; 27,0±7,7 kg/m2) participaram do estudo. As participantes responderam a escala HAD com 14 questões relacionadas aos níveis de ansiedade e depressão. O GC apresentou escores mais elevados de depressão e ansiedade que o GT. Os resultados para ansiedade (GT=5,2±2,7; GC=9,5±4,0) e depressão (GT=4,1±2,6; GC=7,7±4,0) diferiram significativamente (P<0,05) entre os grupos. Pode-se concluir que mulheres de meia idade que participaram de programa de exercícios resistidos apresentaram melhor estado de saúde mental verificados por menores níveis de depressão e ansiedade do que mulheres sedentárias.