Resistance training load and blood pressure in postmenopausal women
High Blood Pressure and Effect of Acute Resistance Training: Influence of Different Load Intensities on Postexercise Hypotension and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Aging Females
This trial will test whether low-load (50% 1‑RM) or high-load (80% 1‑RM) resistance exercise, performed with the same high effort, better lowers post-exercise and ambulatory blood pressure in postmenopausal women aged 50–70.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Université de Sherbrooke Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sherbrooke, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT06845514 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Postmenopausal women aged 50–70 with normal-high or stage 1 hypertension who are physically inactive will perform resistance exercise sessions using low (50% 1‑RM) and high (80% 1‑RM) loads while keeping perceived effort high. Immediate post-exercise blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure will be recorded, and researchers will measure autonomic activity, central (carotid) arterial compliance, and serum biomarkers of endothelial function to explore mechanisms. Participants will also report affective valence and enjoyment to assess acceptability of the two load approaches. Sessions require in-person visits to the Research Center on Aging in Sherbrooke with ambulatory monitoring between visits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are postmenopausal women aged 50–70 with normal-high or stage 1 hypertension who are physically inactive and not regularly doing resistance exercise and who have no contraindications to lifting.
Not a fit: People with unstable hypertension (≥160/100 mmHg), type 2 diabetes, recent cardiovascular events, orthopedic limitations, or recent initiation of hormone therapy are unlikely to qualify and would not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could clarify which resistance training intensity best and safely lowers blood pressure in postmenopausal women and help tailor exercise prescriptions for blood pressure control.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show mixed results but some evidence supports low-load, high-effort resistance training for health benefits, though effects on blood pressure in postmenopausal women remain inconsistent.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 50 to 70 years; * absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months; * normal-high resting blood pressure (120 ≤ Systolic ≤ 139 mmHg and 80 ≤ Diastolic ≤ 89 mmHg) or stage 1 hypertension (140 ≤ Systolic ≤ 159 mmHg or 90 \< Diastolic ≤ 99 mmHg); * physically inactive (\< 150 minutes of structured aerobic physical activity per week); * and not engaging in regular resistance exercise (≥ 2 sessions per week) for more than 3 months during the year. Exclusion Criteria: * orthopedic limitations or other contraindications to resistance exercise; * scheduled surgery during the study; * unstable hypertension (≥ 160/100 mmHg); * diagnosis of type 2 diabetes; * cardiovascular event in the past 6 months or sequelae preventing exercise; * and initiation of hormonal replacement therapy (\< 4 months) known to affect blood pressure.
Where this trial is running
Sherbrooke, Quebec
- Research Center on Aging — Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eléonor Riesco, Ph.D. — Université de Sherbrooke
- Study coordinator: Eléonor Riesco, Ph.D.
- Email: e.riesco@usherbrooke.ca
- Phone: 819-821-8000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.