Hypotensive effect of resistance training performed on stable vs. unstable surfaces

The purpose of this study was to compare the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) responses during two different strength training (ST) surfaces: stable (SST) and unstable (UST). Fifteen trained normotensive women performed 4 nonconsecutive 10RM load test sessions (test and retest for both surface methods) for a whole-body workout. After the load tests, subjects performed two training sessions (SST and UST) with 3 sets of each exercise with loads of 85% of 10RM with a 2-min rest between sets and exercises. The ANOVA two-way showed the same pattern of magnitude reduction on SBP after both training sessions (SST and UST). However, a prolonged reduction of SBP was evident from the SST method (~60 min). For DBP, there were no significant differences between workouts. Thus, although a ST session might trigger a general post-exercise hypotensive effect regardless of the surface method applied (SST and UST), it seems that this effect is more durable after sessions performed with the traditional SST. Key Words: Strength training, Blood pressure, Post-exercise hypotension, Core training