Effects of exercise training with blood flow restriction on blood pressure in medicated hypertensive patients

Abstract The development of non-pharmacological approaches to hypertension (HA) is critical for both prevention and treatment. This study examined the hemodynamic and biochemical responses of medicated hypertensive women to resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (vascular occlusion). Twenty-three women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: High intensity strength training (n = 8); low-intensity resistance exercise with occlusion (n = 8); and control (n = 7). The first two groups underwent eight weeks of training performed twice a week, including three series of wrist flexion exercises with or without vascular occlusion. The exercised with occlusion group showed pre- to post-test reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and double product, whereas the other groups showed no significant hemodynamic changes. In conclusion, resistance exercise during 8 weeks was effective in lowering blood pressure in medicated hypertensive subjects.