Australia Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, 7th National Physical Activity Conference, 6th National Sports Injury Prevention Conference, Be Active ’09, 2009 (Brisbane, Australia, 14-Oct-2009 – 17-Oct-2009), 2010
Introduction: There is increasing evidence that exercise induced increases in BP measured during sub-maximum aerobic exercise can be used to predict death from cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes independent of resting blood pressure. Therefore a reduction in the BP response during sub-maximum aerobic exercise may possibly reduce the risk of a future cardiovascular incident. The purpose of this study was to determine if 16 weeks of strength training can reduce the blood pressure response and improve the cardiovascular function of men aged 70-80 yr during sub-maximum aerobic exercise.
Methods: Twenty four men aged 70-80 yr were randomly assigned to a strength training (ST; n = 12) and Control group (C; n = 12). Training consisted of three sets of 6-10 repetitions at 70 to 90% of 1RM, 3 times per week, on an incline squat machine for 16 weeks. Blood pressure and cardiovascular function were assessed during sub-maximum cycle exercise at 40Watts, 50% and 70% of VO2 max before training and after 16 weeks training. Leg strength and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) were assessed every 4 weeks of the 16-week study. Results: At 40W, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and rate pressure product (RPP) were lower and stroke volume (SV) significantly higher after 16 weeks training: at 50% VO2 max, SBP, HR and RPP were lower after 16 weeks training: at 70% VO2 max, cycle ergometry power, VO2 and arterio-venous oxygen difference (a-vO2) were higher after 16 weeks training. SBP did not significantly change despite an increase in cycle ergometry power. Leg strength and VO2 max increased after 16 weeks training.
Conclusion: Sixteen weeks of strength training significantly reduces the blood pressure response and improves the cardiovascular function of older men during submaximum aerobic exercise. Therefore strength training not only increases muscular strength and hypertrophy but also provides significant cardiovascular benefits for older individuals.
