Cardiovascular and perceptual responses to strength training intensity in postmenopausal women with systemic arterial hypertension: a randomized crossover study

• Grant number: 25/05071-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Roberto Bueno Júnior
• Grantee: Yaritza Brito Alves Sousa
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte de Ribeirão Preto (EEFERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a disease characterized by high pressure in the vessel walls and dependent on genetic, epigenetic and social factors, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and renal events and is often associated with other chronic diseases. Physical exercise acts as a preventive factor and non-pharmacological treatment for SAH, and strength training (TF) in specific seems to have therapeutic potential, relieving blood pressure and improving heart rate variability (HRV). Scientific literature has proposed that RT be performed at an intensity that varies from 50 to 80% of the weight for 1 maximum repetition, which reflects a broad spectrum of repetitions. Some studies have acutely compared the effect of different intensities on cardiovascular interruptions in postmenopausal women with hypertension, but there is a lack of studies on the perceived exertion and affectivity responses of postmenopausal women.Objectives: to evaluate the blood pressure response, as well as HRV, affectivity and subjective perception of exertion in postmenopausal women in response to two RT sessions with different intensities. Methods: A randomized crossover trial will be conducted, in which participants, aged between 50 and 65 years, will perform a RT session with 60% 1RM and another with 80%1RM, with the order between sessions randomized. The training session will feature 6 exercises for the main muscle groups. BP and HRV will be measured before and for one hour after the end of the training session, while perceived exertion and affectivity will be measured at the end. The data obtained will be presented as mean values, standard deviation and 95% confidence interval. Normality will be analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk or Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, depending on the sample size. The cardiovascular, affective and perceived exertion variables will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, with interaction between the factor time x group. (AU)