Dynamic resistance exercise and resting blood pressure in adults: a meta-analysis

Abstract

With the use of the meta-analytic approach, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dynamic resistance exercise, i.e., weight training, on resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults. A total of nine studies consisting of 259 subjects (144 exercise, 115 control) and 18 groups (9 exercise, 9 control) were included in this analysis. With the use of the bootstrap technique (10,000 samples), significant treatment effect (delta 3) reductions were found across all designs and categories for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure [systolic, mean +/- SD = -4.55 +/- 1.75 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.56 to -8.56; diastolic, mean +/- SD = -3.79 + 1.12 mmHg, 95% confidence interval CI = -1.89 to -6.33]. Delta 3 changes corresponded with relative decreases of approximately 3 and 4% in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. In conclusion, meta-analytic review of included studies suggests that dynamic resistance exercise reduces resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults. However, it is premature to form strong conclusions regarding the effects of dynamic resistance exercise on resting blood pressure. A need exists for additional, well-designed studies on this topic before a recommendation can be made regarding the efficacy of dynamic resistance exercise as a nonpharmacological therapy for reducing resting blood pressure in adults, especially in hypertensive adults.