Continuous hemodynamic response to maximal dynamic strength testing in older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify acute changes in blood pressure and heart rate during a maximal dynamic strength-single-repetition maximum lift (1-RM)-testing session in older adults with a low burden of chronic disease.


METHODS
Descriptive, cross-sectional study.


METHODS
University rehabilitation center.


METHODS
Volunteer sample of 43 community-dwelling, nonresistance-trained older adults aged 60 years and older (mean, 68+/-6y).


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate was obtained by plethysmography at rest and during 1-RM strength testing on leg press, knee extension, and knee flexion resistance machines.


RESULTS
Average resting SBP (132+/-28mmHg), DBP (54+/-15mmHg), and heart rate (65+/-11 beats/min) were independent of hypertensive diagnosis and overweight status. Maximal SBP, DBP, and heart rate increased significantly during the 1-RM in all exercises compared with rest (P<.001). Highest values of SBP (236+/-51mmHg) and DBP (140+/-46mmHg) were measured during the leg press at 99.5%+/-6.7% of 1-RM. Lowest values of SBP (79+/-25mmHg) and DBP (38+/-15mmHg), and the highest (123+/-44 beats/min) and lowest heart rate (41+/-23 beats/min) were measured during the knee extension at 97.4%+/-8.1% of 1-RM. Absolute falls in SBP were greatest in treated hypertensive participants. No cardiovascular symptoms or events occurred in 129 1-RM tests.


CONCLUSIONS
Large, very transient, asymptomatic excursions in blood pressure and heart rate were measured during 1-RM testing. The most robust hemodynamic response occurred during the leg press. Thus the leg press may be the most important exercise to focus hemodynamic monitoring efforts upon during strength testing in clinical cohorts.
de Vos
Nathan J
NJ
School of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia. devos@optusnet.com.au
Singh
Nalin A
NA
Ross
Dale A
DA
Stavrinos
Theodora M
TM
Orr
Rhonda
R
Fiatarone Singh
Maria A
MA
D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012146:Rest / Q000502:physiology