CellR4 2024; 12: e3438
DOI: 10.32113/cellr4_20249_3438

Exploring the impact of strength training methods on blood pressure and heart rate variability: a comparative analysis of traditional, superset, and tri-set approaches

Topic: Cardiovascular Medicine   Category:

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of three strength training (ST) methods – traditional, superset, and tri-set – on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) to determine the optimal approach for maximizing cardiovascular benefits.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine men participated, completing three ST sessions consisting of 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions at 70% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM), with 90-second rest intervals. BP and HRV were assessed before and after each session.

RESULTS: Findings revealed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased for up to 60 minutes following the traditional method, while both the superset and tri-set methods exhibited decreases at 30- and 40-minutes post-session (p ≤ 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) showed declines at 10 and 30 minutes after the superset and tri-set methods, and mean blood pressure (MBP) experienced decreases at 10, 30, and 40 minutes following both methods (p ≤ 0.05). A consistent sympathetic predominance was observed across all ST methods (p ≤ 0.05), indicating substantial cardiovascular stress during sessions. Differences in heart rate variability (HRV) metrics were noted between the traditional and tri-set methods, specifically in the standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN) at 10 and 40 minutes (p = 0.036) and the root mean square of successive RR intervals (RMSSD) at 30 minutes (p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings offer valuable insights to professionals in strength training for optimizing BP reduction and minimizing cardiac stress in customized ST programs.

To cite this article

Exploring the impact of strength training methods on blood pressure and heart rate variability: a comparative analysis of traditional, superset, and tri-set approaches

CellR4 2024; 12: e3438
DOI: 10.32113/cellr4_20249_3438

Publication History

Submission date: 15 Oct 2023

Revised on: 13 Dec 2023

Accepted on: 03 Jan 2024

Published online: 02 Sep 2024