Non-periodized and Daily Undulating Periodized Resistance Training on Blood Pressure of Older Women

Abstract

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of a daily undulating periodization (DUP) and non-periodized (NP) resistance training programs on hemodynamic parameters of older women. Forty-two older women were randomized into one of the three experimental groups: NP, DUP, and control group (CG). Evaluations of the hemodynamic parameters occurred before, during and after the intervention. The exercise programs were performed twice a week over 22 weeks. NP and DUP groups were based on 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions in 9 exercises. In NP, the two exercise sessions were based on traditional strength training, which was performed at a Difficult intensity according to the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method. In DUP, the first session was based on power resistance exercise, in which the concentric muscle contraction was performed as fast as possible at a moderate intensity based on RPE, while the second session was the same that was performed by NP. The findings demonstrated that diastolic blood pressure (90.4 vs. 76.2 mmHg) and mean arterial pressure (108.6 vs. 92.7 mmHg) were significantly reduced after NP, while no significant alterations were observed in DUP. Nevertheless, both training groups seem to have a cardio protective effect, since both training modes prevented the increase in HR reported in the experimental period in CG. In conclusion, our findings indicate that a 22-week NP resistance training program causes beneficial effects on hemodynamic parameters of older women. Trial Registration: NCT03443375.

Keywords: blood pressure; elderly; hypertension; nitric oxide; periodization; physical exercise; power training; strength training.

Figure 1

Flowchart of the study. NP, Non-periodized; DUP, Daily undulating periodization; CG, Control group; NO, Nitric oxide.

Figure 2

Training load distribution in the Non-periodized (A) and Daily undulating periodization (B) programs over 3 weeks. It is possible to observe that the training load remains constant across the non-periodized program, while it is distributed according to a wave shape in the daily undulating periodization program. RPE, Rating of perceived exertion; AU, Arbitrary units; PT, Power training; ST, Strength training.

Figure 3

Hemodynamic parameters of experimental groups in the overall sample. Values expressed as mean ± SD.NP, Non-periodized; DUP, Daily undulating periodization; CG, Control group; SBP, Systolic blood pressure; DBP, Diastolic blood pressure; MAP, Mean arterial pressure; HR, Heart rate; DP, Double product; aP < 0.05 vs. Baseline; bP < 0.05 vs. CG in the 22nd week. An ANOVA [3 × 2, groups × time] was used to examine differences between NP, DUP and CG pre and post-exercise. An ANOVA [2 × 4, groups × time] was used to examine differences between NP and DUP over the 4 measurement moments (Baseline, 4th week, 16th week, and 22nd week). Dunnet was performed as the post-hoc test.

Figure 4

Hemodynamic parameters of experimental groups in the hypertensive subsample. Values expressed as mean ± SD.NP, Non-periodized; DUP, Daily undulating periodization; CG, Control group; SBP, Systolic blood pressure; DBP, Diastolic blood pressure; MAP, Mean arterial pressure; HR, Heart rate; DP, Double product; aP < 0.05 vs. Baseline; bP < 0.05 vs. CG in the 22nd week. An ANOVA [3 × 2, groups × time] was used to examine differences between NP, DUP and CG pre and post-exercise. An ANOVA [2 × 4, groups × time] was used to examine differences between NP and DUP over the 4 measurement moments (Baseline, 4th week, 16th week, and 22nd week). Dunnet was performed as the post-hoc test.

Figure 5

Hemodynamic parameters of experimental groups in the normotensive subsample. Values expressed as mean ± SD.NP, Non-periodized; DUP, Daily undulating periodization; CG, Control group; SBP, Systolic blood pressure; DBP, Diastolic blood pressure; MAP, Mean arterial pressure; HR, Heart rate; DP, Double product; aP < 0.05 vs. Baseline; bP < 0.05 vs. CG in the 22nd week; cP < 0.05 vs. DUP in the 22nd week. An ANOVA [3 × 2, groups × time] was used to examine differences between NP, DUP and CG pre and post-exercise. An ANOVA [2 × 4, groups × time] was used to examine differences between NP and DUP over the 4 measurement moments (Baseline, 4th week, 16th week, and 22nd week). Dunnet was performed as the post-hoc test.

Figure 6

Biochemical parameters of experimental groups. Values expressed as mean ± SD.NP, Non-periodized; DUP, Daily undulating periodization; CG, Control group; NO, Nitric oxide; LDL, Low-density lipoprotein; HDL, High-density lipoprotein. An ANOVA [3 × 2, groups × time] was used to examine differences between NP, DUP, and CG pre and post-exercise.