Effects of 20 weeks of different power training protocols involving exercises with elastic bands on cardiovascular health in hypertensive young–old adults

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different power training protocols on pulse pressure, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), autonomic cardiac control, and physical performance in hypertensive ung. METHODS: Twenty-five participants were randomly assigned to either the dynamic power training group (DPTG; n = 13) or the power training group (PTG; n = 12). The DPTG performed dynamic power training without absolute rest intervals, whereas the PTG performed power training with short rest periods. Both protocols were carried out three times per week over 20 weeks. Pulse pressure, SBP, DBP, autonomic cardiac control, and physical performance were assessed at baseline and after 20 weeks. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in pulse pressure, SBP, autonomic cardiac control, and physical performance following the 20-week intervention ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that both protocols - dynamic power training (without absolute rest intervals) and power training (with short rest periods) - promoted enhancements in pulse pressure, SBP, autonomic cardiac control, lower limb functional capacity, and dynamic balance in hypertensive young-old adults. Thus, strength and conditioning professionals may consider incorporating power training protocols as a viable exercise intervention for managing systemic arterial hypertension in this population.