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Abstract

Background:

Previous studies examining the relationship between exercise dose and post-exercise hypotension (PEH) have employed a limited range of exercise duration and subject age. We extended the dose–response curve by studying two intensities of prolonged exercise that may produce a greater magnitude of PEH and reveal age differences in the exercise dose–response relationship for PEH.

Methods:

Two groups of healthy recreational endurance athletes were studied: Young (n = 17; age 28 ± 1.1 years) and middle-aged participants (n = 18; 52 ± 0.90 years). They performed on separate occasions, 120 min of prolonged exercise (running) at moderate (60% VO_2max) and high intensities (80% VO_2max).

Results:

PEH after 1 hour of recovery was similar within each age group for either exercise intensity, but was significantly greater in the middle-aged group (moderate intensity, −12.3 ± 1.6 mmHg; high intensity, −15.1 ± 1.7 mmHg) compared with the young group (moderate intensity, −1.2 ± 1.7 mmHg; high intensity, −5.7 ± 2.5 mmHg; p < 0.05). Stepwise regression showed that baseline blood pressure but not age was significantly related to the degree of PEH. Thus, the greater PEH seen in the middle-aged group is attributed to their higher baseline blood pressure (124 ± 3.0/79 ± 2.0 mmHg) than the young group (111 ± 2.0/69 ± 1.8 mmHg). A reduced total peripheral resistance following exercise was the primary contributor to PEH across both age groups and exercise intensities.

Conclusions:

We conclude that prolonged exercise induces a significant PEH regardless of exercise intensity.

Keywords

Aerobic exercise blood pressure endurance exercise exercise dose and response post-exercise hypotension prolonged exercise

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Blood pressure reduction following prolonged exercise in young and middle-aged endurance athletes

Abstract

Background:

Methods:

Results:

Conclusions:

Keywords

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References