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Impact of Resistance Training Intensity on Blood Pressure

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06845514

PhaseNA

Enrollment36

SponsorUniversité de Sherbrooke

Age50 Years

SexFEMALE

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Conditions studied

Blood Pressure Management, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory, Blood Pressure, High, Blood Pressure

About this study

The goal of the clinical trial is to understand the effect of two resistance training protocols employing different loading intensities (% of 1 repetition maximum; 1-RM), but with standardized effort intensity (2 repetitions in reserve; RIR) on post-exercise and ambulatory blood pressure in aging females. The main questions it aims to answer are: * to examine the acute effects of low (50% 1-RM) and high (80% 1-RM) load intensity resistance exercise with a standardized high effort intensity on post-exercise hypotension and ambulatory blood pressure responses in aging females; * deepen the understanding of the mechanisms underlying acute reductions in blood pressure in response to resistance exercise performed at different load intensities. To this end, autonomic activity will be estimated alongside the measurement of central arterial compliance (i.e., carotid artery), and serum biomarkers of endothelial function; * document the affective valence and enjoyment associated with low (50% 1-RM) and high (80% 1-RM) load intensity resistance exercise when performed at a high perceived effort. Researchers will compare the effect of: 1) a low load (LL-RE) intensity protocol consisting of 3 sets of each exercise at 50% 1-RM, performed until reaching a hard perceived effort intensity (i.e., RIR-2); 2) high load (HL-RE) intensity protocol consisting of 3 sets of each exercise at 80% of 1-RM, performed until reaching a hard perceived effort intensity (i.e., RIR-2); 3) and a control condition (CON) consisting of a standardized non-fatiguing cognitive task. Participants will participate in: * A preliminary assessment visit; * Two familiarization visits to validate the exercise prescriptions; * Three experimental visits (CON, LL-RE, HL-RE).

Interventions

Other: Condition LL-RE — LL-RE condition will consist of a 5-minute warm-up (slow-paced walking) and the following exercises: leg press, chest press, leg curl, and seated row. Three sets will be performed for each exercise with a 3-minute rest period between sets/exercises. Each exercise will be executed through a full range of motion, with participants encouraged to follow a 2-sec eccentric phase (guided by a mobile app metronome and supervised by an exercise physiologist) and to perform the concentric phase as fast as possible. Participants will be informed to: stop the set when they perceive to have reached the RIR target. • LL-RE: The low load intensity protocol consists of 3 sets of each exercise at 50% 1-RM, performed until reaching a hard perceived effort intensity (i.e., RIR-2).
Other: Control — Control condition: During the control condition, participants will sit quietly in a room maintained at a temperature of 22-24°C to prevent any influence on blood pressure values, for 60 minutes. During this period, they will perform a standardized non-fatiguing cognitive task: watching Earth, a documentary following the migration paths of four animal families.
Other: Condition HL-RE — HL-RE condition will consist of a 5-minute warm-up (slow-paced walking) and the following exercises: leg press, chest press, leg curl, and seated row. Three sets will be performed for each exercise with a 3-minute rest period between sets/exercises. Each exercise will be executed through a full range of motion, with participants encouraged to follow a 2-sec eccentric phase (guided by a mobile app metronome and supervised by an exercise physiologist) and to perform the concentric phase as fast as possible. Participants will be informed to: stop the set when they perceive to have reached the RIR target. • HL-RE: The high load intensity protocol consists of 3 sets of each exercise at 80% of 1-RM, performed until reaching a hard perceived effort intensity (i.e., RIR-2).

Primary outcomes

Change in blood pressure post-exercise (Before the start of the condition (t = 0 minute), at the end of the condition (t = 60 minutes), each 20 min for 1 hour post-condition (t = 80, 100, 120 minutes))
Change in ambulatory blood pressure (During 24 hours after the condition)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * aged 50 to 70 years; * absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months; * normal-high resting blood pressure (120 ≤ Systolic ≤ 139 mmHg and 80 ≤ Diastolic ≤ 89 mmHg) or stage 1 hypertension (140 ≤ Systolic ≤ 159 mmHg or 90 \< Diastolic ≤ 99 mmHg); * physically inactive (\< 150 minutes of structured aerobic physical activity per week); * and not engaging in regular resistance exercise (≥ 2 sessions per week) for more than 3 months during the year. Exclusion Criteria: * orthopedic limitations or other contraindications to resistance exercise; * scheduled surgery during the study; * unstable hypertension (≥ 160/100 mmHg); * diagnosis of type 2 diabetes; * cardiovascular event in the past 6 months or sequelae preventing exercise; * and initiation of hormonal replacement therapy (\< 4 months) known to affect blood pressure.

Study locations

Research Center on Aging, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 2J7 Canada

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.