BACKGROUND: The optimum intensity of resistance training for hypertensive elderly has not been studied yet and the few studies in the literature used training with distinct intensities. Objective: To verify the effect of two resistance training intensities on blood pressure (BP) of elderly women with controlled hypertension. METHODS: Sixteen older women with hypertension controlled by anti-hypertensive drug were randomly divided into two groups. Nine patients were submitted to moderate resistance training (G1) and seven patients were submitted to mild resistance training (G2). The patients underwent eight weeks of resistance training, with frequency of three times per week on alternate days in the afternoon. The exercises performed were: leg press, bench press, knee extension, lat pull-down, knee flexion, shoulder abduction, standing cable hip abduction and biceps curl. RESULTS: G1 patients presented reduction in both resting values in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) p<0.03 and mean arterial pressure (MAP) p<0.03. G2 presented decrease in resting values of MAP (p<0.03) and a tendency to decrease in DBP (p<0.06). Magnitude of values decrease in both groups was higher than the ones reported in the literature. CONCLUSION: Both light and moderate training promoted cardiovascular benefits, even when initiated at old age. Moreover, both can be indicated as supporting treatment for older women with hypertension controlled by medication.
aging; resistance training; hypertension; exercise; the elderly health
