Ambulatory blood pressure reduction following high-intensity interval exercise performed in water or dryland condition

Effects of aerobic exercise on ambulatory blood pressure responses to acute partial sleep deprivation: impact of chronotype and sleep quality

Blood pressure (BP) follows a circadian rhythm intertwined with the sleep-wake cycle. Acute partial sleep deprivation (PSD; sleep ≤ 6 h) can increase BP, associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Acute exercise can reduce BP for up to 24 h, a phenomenon termed postexercise hypotension. The present study tested whether aerobic exercise could mitigate the augmented 24-h ambulatory BP caused by acute PSD. Twenty-four young otherwise healthy adults (22 ± 3 yr; 14 females; self-reported chronotypes: 6 early/10 intermediate/8 late; Pittsburgh sleep quality index: 17 good/7 poor sleepers) completed a randomized crossover trial in which, on different days, they slept normally (2300-0700), restricted sleep [0330-0700 (PSD)], and cycled for 50 min (70-80% predicted heart rate maximum) before PSD. Ambulatory BP was assessed every 30 min until 2100 the next day. Acute PSD increased 24-h systolic BP (control 117 ± 9 mmHg, PSD 122 ± 9 mmHg; P < 0.001) and prior exercise attenuated (exercise + PSD 120 ± 9 mmHg; P = 0.04 vs. PSD) but did not fully reverse this response (exercise + PSD, P = 0.02 vs. control). Subgroup analysis revealed that the 24-h systolic BP reduction following exercise was specific to late types (PSD 119 ± 7 vs. exercise + PSD 116 ± 6 mmHg; P < 0.05). Overall, habitual sleep quality was negatively correlated with the change in daytime systolic BP following PSD (r = -0.56, P < 0.01). These findings suggest that the ability of aerobic cycling exercise to counteract the hemodynamic effects of acute PSD in young adults may be dependent on chronotype and that habitual sleep quality can predict the daytime BP response to acute PSD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that cycling exercise attenuates, but does not fully reverse, the augmented 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) response caused by acute partial sleep deprivation (PSD). This response was primarily observed in late chronotypes. Furthermore, daytime BP after acute PSD is related to habitual sleep quality, with better sleepers being more prone to BP elevations. This suggests that habitual sleeping habits can influence BP responses to acute PSD and their interactions with prior cycling exercise.

Post-exercise hypotension in male spontaneously hypertensive rats: The issue of calculation method

In spontaneously hypertensive rats, exercise can lead to a post-exercise decrease in blood pressure, named post-exercise hypotension (PEH). This can be following physical training but also after a single bout of mild to moderate exercise when measured with tail-cuff or externalized catheter methods. Our aim was to assess the PEH obtained with different calculation methods and to compare the magnitude of this effect induced by a moderate-intensity continuous exercise or a high-intensity intermittent exercise. Thirteen 16-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats performed two types of aerobic exercise (continuous or intermittent) on a treadmill. Arterial pressure was recorded by telemetry for 24 h which was started 3 h before physical exercise. Based on the literature, PEH was first evaluated with two different baseline values, and then with three different approaches. We observed that the identification of PEH depended on the method used to measure the rest value, and that its amplitude was also influenced by the calculation approach and the type of exercise performed. Hence, the calculation method and the amplitude of the detected PEH can significantly influence their physiological and pathophysiological inferences.

Similar Postexercise Hypotension After MICT, HIIT, and SIT Exercises in Middle-Age Adults

INTRODUCTION

Acute bouts of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) transiently lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the hours after termed postexercise hypotension (PEH); however, the effects of sprint interval training (SIT) exercise have yet to be explored in middle-age adults. Although previous work has found no effect of exercise intensity on PEH, no study has compared submaximal, near maximal, and supramaximal intensities, specifically in middle-age adults where blood pressure (BP) management strategies may be of greater importance.

PURPOSE

This study examined the effects of MICT, HIIT, and SIT exercises on PEH in the immediate (≤2 h) and 24 h after exercise specifically in middle-age adults.

METHODS

Fourteen participants (10 female; age, 46 ± 9 yr; SBP, 116 ± 11 mm Hg; DBP, 67 ± 6 mm Hg; one hypertensive, four prehypertensive, nine normotensive) had their BP measured before, immediately (15, 30, 60, 120 min), and over 24 h after four experimental sessions: 1) 30-min MICT exercise (65% maximal oxygen consumption), 2) 20-min HIIT exercise (10 × 1 min at 90% maximum heart rate with 1-min rest), 3) 16-min SIT exercise (8 × 15 s all-out sprints with 2-min rest), and 4) no-exercise control. Postexercise BP was compared with no-exercise control.

RESULTS

PEH was similar for all exercise sessions for SBP ( P = 0.388, = 0.075) and DBP ( P = 0.206, = 0.108). Twenty-four-hour average SBP was similar for all sessions P = 0.453, = 0.069), and DBP was similar over 24 h except after MICT exercise compared with HIIT exercise ( P = 0.018, d = 1.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In middle-age adults, MICT, HIIT, and SIT exercises are effective at reducing SBP; however, the effects on DBP are smaller, and neither reductions are sustained over 24 h.

Short-Term Effects of Land-Based Versus Water-Based Resistance Training Protocols on Post-Exercise Hypotension in Normotensive Men: A Crossover Study

Considering that water immersion may acutely reduce blood pressure (BP) and that exercise may elicit positive post-exercise hypotension (PEH) responses, we aimed to analyze the presence of PEH in normotensive individuals and compare its magnitude between two resistance training sessions performed in aquatic or land environments. Ten physically active men (23.2 ± 3.1 years) performed the two training protocols in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion. BP measurements were performed for 30 min (at 5 min intervals) both prior to (resting) and after each of the protocols. No differences were observed between protocols at baseline (p > 0.05). Only the water-based resistance training protocol resulted in a systolic BP reduction from 10 to 20 min post-exercise (all p < 0.05) compared to baseline. Compared to the land-based session, systolic BP was lower in the water-based protocol from 10 to 25 min post-exercise (all p < 0.05). On the other hand, diastolic BP showed a similar PEH effect between water and land-based protocols for the entire 30 min post-session period (all p < 0.001). Our results suggest that water-based resistance training holds the potential as a nonpharmacological strategy to lower BP levels following exercise.

Effects of Acute Aquatic High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise on Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women with Different ACE Genotypes

The present study investigated the effects of acute aquatic high-intensity intermittent jumping (HIIJ) on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with different angiotensin-converting enzyme genotypes (ACE). We recruited 12 postmenopausal women carrying the ACE deletion/deletion (DD) genotype and 61 carrying the insertion/insertion or insertion/deletion (II/ID) genotype. The participants performed 12 trials of 30 s, 75% heart rate reserve (HRR) jumping, and 60 s, 50% HRR recovery, and 3 trials of 40 s upper limb resistance exercises were performed as fast as possible. The heart rate (HR) and BP were measured before exercise, immediately, 10 min, and 45 min after exercise. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured before and after exercise. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the DD genotype increased more significantly than those with the II/ID genotype post-exercise (30.8 ± 4.48 vs. 20.4 ± 2.00 mmHg, p = 0.038). The left and right sides of baPWV increased significantly after exercise (1444.8 ± 29.54 vs. 1473.4 ± 32.36 cm/s, p = 0.020; 1442.1 ± 30.34 vs. 1472.0 ± 33.09, p = 0.011), and there was no significant difference between the two groups. The HIIJ increased baPWV. The postmenopausal women with the DD genotype have a higher SBP increased post-exercise than those with II/ID genotype. These findings suggest that the aquatic exercise program has better effects in decreasing blood pressure in postmenopausal women with the II/ID genotype. Those with the DD genotype should pay attention to the risk of increasing blood pressure after aquatic HIIJ exercise.

Acute high-intensity interval exercise versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise in heated water-based on hemodynamic, cardiac autonomic, and vascular responses in older individuals with hypertension

OBJECTIVES

This crossover study design aimed to assess hemodynamic, cardiac autonomic, and vascular responses to high-intensity interval (HIIE) vs moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in older individuals with hypertension.

METHODS

Twenty (67 ± 7 y) older individuals with hypertension were randomly assigned to perform HIIE, MICE, or control (CON) sessions in the heated swimming pool (30-32°C). Blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness, endothelial reactivity, and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured pre, post, and 45 min (recovery) after each intervention followed by 24-h ambulatory BP and HRV.

RESULTS

One single aerobic exercise session was not effective to provoke post-exercise hypotension and vascular improvements. HIIE was superior to MICE and CON to increasing parasympathetic modulation at post and recovery. Exercise sessions showed to disturb the autonomic system at nighttime compared to CON.

CONCLUSIONS

These results may have important implications in water-based therapy and the elderly with hypertension.

Postexercise hypotension and heart rate variability response after water- and land-based high-intensity interval exercise in prehypertensive obese men

A randomized crossover trial was carried out in prehypertensive obese men to compare postexercise hypotension and heart rate variability (HRV) following water-based and land-based high-intensity interval exercises (HIIEs). Nine prehypertensive obese participants, aged 23.6± 2.4 years, were randomly assigned to one of three interventions: no-exercise control, HIIE with immersion up to the chest, or HIIE on dry land. In the evenings of three separate days, participants performed either of the interventions. Matched with exercise volume, both HIIEs composed of 5 repetitions of 30-sec sprints at maximum effort followed by a 4-min rest. Ambulatory blood pressure and HRV were measured before the interventions and over the 24-hr following period. Both HIIEs resulted in significant reductions of average 24-hr mean arterial pressure (−6.7 mmHg). Notably, the water-based HIIE resulted in a significantly higher reduction of 24-hr systolic blood pressure (SBP) (−9 mmHg) than the land-based HIIE, particularly at night, in addition to a significantly longer duration of postexercise hypotension. Finally, the water-based HIIE was more effective at restoring HRV during recovery. Our findings demonstrated postexercise hypotension following the HIIEs, particularly the water-based HIIE. During recovery, the water-based HIIE was remarkably effective at restoring HRV. These findings indicate that water-based HIIE is more effective at reducing SBP and requires less recovery time than land-based HIIE in prehypertensive obese men.

Effects of Aquatic Exercise in Post-exercise Hypotension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Post-exercise hypotension (PEH) can be an important non-pharmacological strategy in the treatment of arterial hypertension. Both aerobic and resistance exercises produce PEH, but it is not clear if the exercise environment can lead to a higher PEH.

Objective

This meta-analysis investigated whether a session of aquatic exercise (AE) induces PEH in comparison with control conditions such as land exercise (LE) or rest in hypertensive subjects.

Methods

The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. Ambulatory blood pressure measurements made in randomized clinical trials were pooled to compare PEH induced by AE with LE and rest conditions in hypertensive subjects.

Results

Data from four trials were included, which comprised 127 participants (94 women and 33 men). A 24-h analysis did not detect significant differences between AE and LE or rest for either systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Monitoring during the night showed that AE induced significant PEH in comparison with LE for SBP [−8.6 (−15.0 to −1.5) mmHg (p = 0.01)]. For DBP, the AE had pronounced PEH during the night in comparison with LE [−3.7 (−4.7 to −2.8) mmHg, p = 0.000] and rest [−1.7 (−1.9 to −0.8) mmHg, p = 0.000]. There were no differences in daytime values.

Conclusion

AE showed a higher PEH effect than LE sessions and rest conditions. PEH was observed in both SBP and DBP during the night. The number of studies was low, but all studies included in this meta-analysis used 24-h monitoring. The understanding of clinical relevance of AE, inducing a higher PEH, depends on a standardization of exercise protocols plus a rigorous monitoring of blood pressure.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration: CRD42021271928.

Prescribing and Self-Regulating Heated Water-Based Exercise by Rating of Perceived Exertion in Older Individuals With Hypertension

We aimed to analyze the usefulness of the 6-20 rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale for prescribing and self-regulating high-intensity interval (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous (MICE) aerobic exercise performed in a heated swimming pool (32 °C). Fifteen older individuals (65 ± 3 years) treated for hypertension underwent a symptom-limited maximal graded exercise test to determine their heart rate at anaerobic threshold, and respiratory compensation point. On different days, participants were randomized to HIIE (walking/jogging between 11 and 17 of RPE; 25 min) and MICE (walking at 11-13 of RPE; 30 min). Heart rate during the low-intensity intervals of HIIE and MICE remained below the graded exercise test's heart rate at anaerobic threshold (-7 ± 18 bpm/-16 ± 15 bpm) and respiratory compensation point (-18 ± 18 bpm/-30 ± 16 bpm), respectively, and maintained in the aerobic training zone during the high-intensity intervals of HIIE (+8 ± 18 bpm/-4 ± 19 bpm). The RPE scale at 15-17 is a useful tool for prescribing and self-regulating heated water-based HIIE and may have important implications for water-based exercise in older individuals with hypertension.

High-Intensity Interval Training in Older Adults: a Scoping Review

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an increasingly popular form of aerobic exercise which includes bouts of high-intensity exercise interspersed with periods of rest. The health benefits, risks, and optimal design of HIIT are still unclear. Further, most research on HIIT has been done in young and middle-aged adults, and as such, the tolerability and effects in senior populations are less well-known. The purpose of this scoping review was to characterize HIIT research that has been done in older adults including protocols, feasibility, and safety and to identify gaps in the current knowledge. Five databases were searched with variations of the terms, "high-intensity interval training" and "older adults" for experimental or quasi-experimental studies published in or after 2009. Studies were included if they had a treatment group with a mean age of 65 years or older who did HIIT, exclusively. Of 4644 papers identified, 69 met the inclusion criteria. The average duration of training was 7.9 (7.0) weeks (mean [SD]) and protocols ranged widely. The average sample size was 47.0 (65.2) subjects (mean [SD]). Healthy populations were the most studied group (n = 30), followed by subjects with cardiovascular (n = 12) or cardiac disease (n = 9), metabolic dysfunction (n = 8), and others (n = 10). The most common primary outcomes included changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (such as VO2peak) as well as feasibility and safety of the protocols as measured by the number of participant dropouts, adverse events, and compliance rate. HIIT protocols were diverse but were generally well-tolerated and may confer many health advantages to older adults. Larger studies and more research in clinical populations most representative of older adults are needed to further evaluate the clinical effects of HIIT in these groups.

Post-exercise Hypotension Following a Single Bout of High Intensity Interval Exercise vs. a Single Bout of Moderate Intensity Continuous Exercise in Adults With or Without Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Background: Post-exercise hypotension (PEH) is an important tool in the daily management of patients with hypertension. Varying the exercise parameters is likely to change the blood pressure (BP) response following a bout of exercise. In recent years, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) has gained significant popularity in exercise-based prevention and rehabilitation of clinical populations. Yet, to date, it is not known whether a single session of HIIE maximizes PEH more than a bout of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE).

Objective: To compare the effect of HIIE vs. MICE on PEH by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: A systematic search in the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, and SPORTDiscus was conducted from the earliest date available until February 24, 2020. Randomized clinical trials comparing the transient effect of a single bout of HIIE to MICE on office and/or ambulatory BP in humans (≥18 years) were included. Data were pooled using random effects models with summary data reported as weighted means and 95% confidence interval (CIs).

Results: Data from 14 trials were included, involving 18 comparisons between HIIE and MICE and 276 (193 males) participants. The immediate effects, measured as office BP at 30- and 60-min post-exercise, was similar for a bout of HIIE and MICE (p > 0.05 for systolic and diastolic BP). However, HIIE elicited a more pronounced BP reduction than MICE [(−5.3 mmHg (−7.3 to −3.3)/ −1.63 mmHg (−3.00 to −0.26)] during the subsequent hours of ambulatory daytime monitoring. No differences were observed for ambulatory nighttime BP (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: HIIE promoted a larger PEH than MICE on ambulatory daytime BP. However, the number of studies was low, patients were mostly young to middle-aged individuals, and only a few studies included patients with hypertension. Therefore, there is a need for studies that involve older individuals with hypertension and use ambulatory BP monitoring to confirm HIIE's superiority as a safe BP lowering intervention in today's clinical practice.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020171640).

High versus Low-Moderate Intensity Exercise Training Program as an Adjunct to Antihypertensive Medication: A Pilot Clinical Study

OBJECTIVE

In this pilot clinical study we investigated the effect on blood pressure (BP) of two community-based exercise training programs of high (HIT) vs. low-moderate intensity (LMIT) in hypertensive individuals receiving at least one antihypertensive drug.

METHODS

The study included two phases of physical exercises based on 1-h session, 3 days/week for 12 and 16 weeks, respectively, separately by a 7-week resting period. Each phase was preceded by a four-week conditioning training period. According to the average maximal heart rate at baseline, participants were randomized to HIT (80-90%), LMIT (50-70%) or no-exercise (control). Heart rate was monitored during workout and BP profiles were registered by ambulatory BP monitoring at the beginning and end of each phase.

RESULTS

Of 60 individuals randomized, 44 completed the study (HIT, n = 10; LMIT, n = 16; controls, n = 18). BP levels were significantly reduced after the second phase for both LMIT (SBP -3.1 mmHg, DBP -2.4 mmHg) and HIT (SBP -10.8 mmHg, DBP -8.3 mmHg). Similar levels of improvement were also found in daytime and night-time BP. Mean attendance of the prescribed training sessions was 87.4 ± 6.2% for HIT and 87.4 ± 5.3% for LMIT during the first phase and 84.1 ± 5.0% and 85.2 ± 5.9% during the second phase, respectively (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

Both HIT and LMIT exercise training programs reduced BP but the HIT modality showed a lower rate of compliance with proposed training schedule. Intensity of training should be individually prescribed to improve tolerance to more high intensity exercises.

Cold-Water Effects on Energy Balance in Healthy Women During Aqua-Cycling

BACKGROUND

While the popularity of aquatic physical activities continues to grow among women, the effects on energy expenditure (EE) and appetite control remain unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of water temperature during aqua-cycling session on EE, rate of perceived exertion, energy intake, appetite sensations, and food reward in healthy premenopausal women.

METHODS

Participants completed three experimental sessions, in the postprandial condition, in a randomized order: a land control session (CON), an aqua-cycling session in 18 °C (EXO18), and an aqua-cycling session in 27 °C (EXO27). The EE, food intake, appetite sensations, and food reward were investigated for each condition.

RESULTS

EXO18 induced a significant increase in EE (p < .001) and oxygen consumption (p < .01) compared with EXO27. The carbohydrate oxidation was higher in EXO18 session compared with EXO27 and CON (p < .05 and p < .001, respectively). While fat oxidation was higher in exercise sessions compared with CONT (p < .01), no difference was observed between EXO18 and EXO27. Exercise sessions did not alter absolute energy intake session but induced a decrease in relative energy intake (p < .001) and in hunger, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption compared with CON (p < .001). The authors also show here that cold-water exposure can increase EE while rate of perceived exertion is lower at the end of exercise session compared with same exercise at 27 °C (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

An exposure to a moderately cold-water during aqua-cycling is an efficient strategy to promote increased EE and decreased hunger, which may be effective for energy balance management in healthy premenopausal women.

Hypotensive Effect of Heated Water-Based Exercise Persists After 12-Week Cessation of Training in Patients With Resistant Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Heated water-based exercise (HEx) promotes a marked reduction of blood pressure (BP), but it is not entirely clear whether its effects on BP persist after cessation of HEx.

METHODS

We analyzed the effects of cessation of HEx on 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in patients with resistant hypertension (RH). Thirty-two patients (aged 53 ± 6 years) with RH (4 to 6 antihypertensive drugs) were randomly assigned to HEx (n = 16) or control (n = 16) groups. Antihypertensive therapy remained unchanged during the protocol. The HEx group participated in 36 sessions (60 minutes) in a heated pool (32^oC [89.6°F]) for 12 weeks (training), followed by 12 weeks of cessation of training. The control group was evaluated during the same period and instructed to maintain their habitual activities.

RESULTS

HEx and control groups had similar BP levels at baseline. HEx training reduced the 24-hour systolic (-19.5 ± 4.6 vs 3.0 ± 0.7 mm Hg, P = 0.001) and diastolic BP (-11.1 ± 2.4 vs 2.06 ± 0.9 mm Hg, P = 0.001) at week 12, compared with the control group. After 12 weeks of training cessation (week 24), 24-hour BP remained significantly lower in the HEx group than in the control group (-9.6 ± 3.8 vs 6.3 ± 3.5 mm Hg, P = 0.01 and -7.5±2.2 vs 2.2 ± 1.0 mm Hg, P = 0.009, for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively), although these differences were attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS

BP remained lower after cessation of 12-week training among patients with RH who underwent HEx compared with the controls. The carryover effects of HEx on BP may help to overcome the challenging problem of exercise compliance in long-term follow-up.

Effects of heated water-based exercise on blood pressure: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction: Systemic arterial hypertension is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors affecting several population. In this context, heated water-based exercise has emerged as a potential alternative to land- based physical exercise to reduce blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. Objective: To systematically synthesize evidence for the lowering effects of heated water-based exercise on BP in a non-specific population. Methods: Scielo, Pubmed and Scopus electronic databases were searched for studies from 2005 to 2016, with the following descriptors in English: “blood pressure, exercise, immersion, blood pressure and hydrotherapy”. A total of 10,461 articles were found and, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 articles were selected and included in the final analysis. All included articles evaluated individuals from different populations and age groups, submitted to a heated water-based exercise session and/or program. Results: The results suggest that both an acute single session and chronic training period (12 to 24 weeks) of heated water-based exercise may reduce BP in different populations (normotensive, hypertensive, postmenopausal women, and heart transplant populations). The magnitude and duration of acute and chronic hypotensive effect of exercise ranged substantially, which was probably due to the variety of exercise frequency, duration and intensity, as well as due to the studied population. Conclusion: These results suggest that heated water-based exercise may promote acute and chronic hypotensive effects in different populations. However, there is no homogeneity in the protocols used, which may have led to the heterogeneity in magnitude and duration of BP reductions.

A Single Session of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Exercise Reduces Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Normotensive Men

Dantas, TCB, Farias Junior, LF, Frazão, DT, Silva, PHM, Sousa Junior, AE, Costa, IBB, Ritti-Dias, RM, Forjaz, CLM, Duhamel, TA, and Costa, EC. A single session of low-volume high-intensity interval exercise reduces ambulatory blood pressure in normotensive men. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2263-2269, 2017-The magnitude and duration of postexercise hypotension (PEH) may provide valuable information on the efficacy of an exercise approach to blood pressure (BP) control. We investigated the acute effect of a time-efficient high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on ambulatory BP. Twenty-one normotensive men (23.6 ± 3.6 years) completed 2 experimental sessions in a randomized order: (a) control (no exercise) and (b) low-volume HIIE: 10 × 1 minute at 100% of maximal treadmill velocity interspersed with 1 minute of recovery. After each experimental session, an ambulatory BP monitoring was initiated. Paired sample t-test was used to compare BP averages for awake, asleep, and 20-hour periods between the control and the low-volume HIIE sessions. A 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze hourly BP after both experimental sessions. Blood pressure averages during the awake (systolic: 118 ± 6 vs. 122 ± 6 mm Hg; diastolic: 65 ± 7 vs. 67 ± 7 mm Hg) and 20-hour (systolic: 115 ± 7 vs. 118 ± 6 mm Hg; diastolic: 62 ± 7 vs. 64 ± 7 mm Hg) periods were lower after the low-volume HIIE compared with the control (p ≤ 0.05). Systolic and diastolic PEH presented medium (Cohen's d = 0.50-0.67) and small (Cohen's d = 0.29) effect sizes, respectively. Systolic PEH occurred in a greater magnitude during the first 5 hours (3-5 mm Hg). No changes were found in asleep BP (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a single session of low-volume HIIE reduced ambulatory BP in normotensive men. The PEH occurred mainly in systolic BP during the first 5 hours postexercise.

Postexercise hypotension during different water-based concurrent training intrasession sequences in young women

The purpose of the study was to compare the acute effects of water-based resistance-aerobic (RA) and aerobic-resistance (AR) sequences on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean blood pressure (MBP) in young women. Thirteen active women participated in four sessions: (1) exercises familiarization, (2) aquatic maximal test to determine the heart rate (HR) corresponding to the anaerobic threshold (HR_AT), (3) concurrent protocol RA, and (4) concurrent protocol AR. Both protocols were initiated with the blood pressure measurements at rest in supine position. After that, either RA or AR concurrent protocol was performed. At the end of both protocols, blood pressure was measured throughout 60 minutes (every 10 minutes). The water-based resistance protocol was made up by exercises at maximal velocity, and the water-based aerobic protocol was performed at ±5 bpm of HR_AT continuously. Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to analyze the data (α = 0.05). There was no hypotensive effect on systolic blood pressure among the time points (P = .235) in both water-based intrasession exercise sequences (P = .423). Regarding the DBP and MBP, both intrasession exercise sequences presented similar (DBP: P = .980; MBP: P = .796) hypotensive effects in the first 10 minutes (DBP: P = .003; MBP: P = .008) at the end of RA and AR sessions (DBP: -4 vs. -13 mm Hg; MBP: -3 vs. -10 mm Hg). It was concluded that both RA and AR water-based concurrent training sessions resulted in postexercise hypotension (DBP and MBP) in normotensive young women.

Aquatic cycling-What do we know? A scoping review on head-out aquatic cycling

Over the past few years, aquatic cycling has become a trending fitness activity. However, the literature has not been reviewed exhaustively. Therefore, using scoping review methodology, the aim of this review was to explore the current state of the literature concerning aquatic cycling. This study specifically focused on study designs, populations and outcomes. A comprehensive search of seven databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Cinahl, Embase, PEDro,Web of Science, WorldCat) was conducted up to 30th September 2016. GoogleScholar, World Cat, ResearchGate, specific aquatic therapy websites and aquatic therapy journals were searched to identify additional literature. Full-text publications in English, German or Dutch were included. Studies were included when the intervention involved head-out cycling carried out in 10° to 35° Celsius water. Exclusion criteria were the use of wet suits or confounding interventions that would affect participants' homeostasis. 63 articles were included and the study parameters of these studies were summarized. Using three grouping themes, included studies were categorised as 1) single session tests comparing aquatic versus land cycling, or 2) aquatic cycling only sessions investigating different exercise conditions and 3) aquatic cycling intervention programmes. Although the experimental conditions differed noticeably across the studies, shared characteristics were identified. Cardiovascular parameters were investigated by many of the studies with the results suggesting that the cardiac demand of aquatic cycling seems similar to land-based cycling. Only six studies evaluated the effect of aquatic cycling interventions. Therefore, future research should investigate the effects of aquatic cycling interventions, preferably in individuals that are expected to gain health benefits from aquatic cycling. Moreover, this comprehensive outline of available literature could serve as a starting point for systematic reviews or clinical studies on the effects of aquatic cycling on the cardiovascular responses.