Resistance training improves functional sympatholysis in persons with primary hypertension / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the effect of twelve weeks of resistance training on the functional sympatholysis of the skeletal muscles in persons with primary hypertension.Methods:Thirty untreated adult men with stage 1 essential hypertension (SBP/DBP 140-159/90-99mmHg) formed a hypertension group, while thirty healthy counterparts (SBP/DBP 90-120/60-80mmHg) served as a control group. Both groups underwent 12 weeks of progressive resistance training, 3 times a week. Before and after the intervention, any changes in forearm haemodynamics at rest were measured, along with handgrip after activation of the sympathetic nerve using a cold pressor test (CPT). The sympathetic vasoconstriction response was represented by the rate of change in brachial vascular conductance (%FVC) induced by the CPT, and the ability to suppress sympathetic vasoconstrictor responses using muscle contractions (functional sympatholysis) was quantified as the difference in sympathetic vasoconstrictor response between the handgrip test and at rest (△%FVC).Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in their average △%FVCs before the intervention. After the intervention, significant increases were observed in both groups, but there was still no significant difference between the two groups′ average △%FVCs.Conclusion:Twelve weeks of resistance training can improve the functional sympatholysis of adult men with essential hypertension. Their elevated blood pressure does not impair functional sympatholysis.