EFFECTS OF AEROBIC RUNNING INTERVAL TRAINING IN HYPOTENSIVE RESPONSE OF MILITARY WITH DIFFERENT STANDARDS OF AEROBIC CONDITIONS

Abstract

Exercise has been considered an important non-pharmacological intervention to control blood pressure (BP). Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of one session of high intensity Aerobic Interval Training (AIT) upon post-exercise hypotension (PEH) levels in subjects with different fitness patterns. Sixteen young men were separated in two groups: one with higher (GH; n=8; VO2max=55.5ml·kg-1·min-1) and the other with lower (GL; n=8; VO2max=42.1ml·kg-1·min-1) aerobic conditioning. Both groups performed seven repetitions of 400m running, with intensities of 117% (GL) and 113% (GH) of the velocity at maximal oxygen uptake (vVO2max), with 1min30s recovery intervals between stimuli. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP values were registered before (Pre) and at 0, 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 min post-exercise (Post). Only GL showed PEH at 60 min in Post compared to Pre (113.8±2.5 vs. 124.6±2.2 mmHg; respectively, p=0.03). In regard to DBP, both groups presented PEH in Post compared to Pre – GL from 20 min and GH from 10 min until 60 min Post (p<0.02). GL showed a lower mean BP (MBP) in Post compared to Pre during the 60 min registered (p<0.01) and GH only at minute 45 (p<0.02). There were no differences between groups in regard to SBP, DBP and MBP (p>0.05). The results suggest that higher relative intensities of AIT may induce to a more pronounced reduction in BP levels until one hour after the effort.