Background: Many positive physiological adaptations occur in older persons as a result of resistance exercise. Physical changes, such as muscle hypertrophy, decreased adiposity, and enhanced muscular strength, have been reported in several studies. These adaptations have the cumulative effect of increasing quality of life while slowing some age related processes.
Aims & Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the acute cardiovascular responses of healthy young and older adults to resistance exercise.
Materials and Methods: In the present study eighty healthy normotensive volunteers were recruited and divided into two groups. Group I & II included males in age group of 20-40 years and more than 40-60 years respectively. All the subjects performed IHG exercise. Their HR and BP were recorded prior to and after one minute of 40% maximum voluntary contraction of the forearm. All the recordings were compared within groups and between groups. Results were analyzed using software STATA 10.
Results: At rest & with exercise we found higher level of SBP (p=0.00) in older males whereas younger males had higher HR (p=0.00). There was no significant difference in DBP. From BP and HR responses, it is clear that greater mean SBP in older age is equally offset by lower heart rates, reflecting no effect of age on workload of heart.
Conclusion: This study indicates that the pressor response is well regulated in both age groups. This supports the inclusion of resistance exercise as part of an overall fitness program designed for healthy older adults.
Key words: Blood Pressure, Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Electrocardiograph, Isometric Handgrip, Handgrip Dynamometer, Heart Rate.
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