Lower-body-first Resistance Exercise Sequencing Enhances Post-exercise Hypotension in Active Women
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose. This study compared two strength training sessions performed in opposite exercise orders and measured the resulting post exercise hypotension (PEH) in active women. Methods. Fourteen active normotensive women (38 ± 6.1 years, 58 ± 8.7 kg, 158 ± 7.9 cm) completed two strength training sessions in a randomized crossover design. Both sessions used the same four compound free weight exercises (bench press, hex bar squat, shoulder press, stiff leg deadlift) at 75% of one repetition maximum for three sets of ten repetitions with 90 second rest intervals. EO1 progressed from upper to lower body; EO2 progressed from lower to upper body. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded at rest and at 1-, 10-, 20- and 30-minutes post exercise. Data was analyzed with two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results. Significant group and time effects were found (group F₁,₁₃ = 4.44, p ≤ 0.05; time F₄,₁₀ = 43.17, p < 0.0001). EO2 lowered SBP at 20 and 30 minutes, DBP from 10 through 30 minutes, and MAP at 20- and 30-minutes relative to rest, with moderate to large effect sizes at 30 minutes. Between sessions mean reductions favored EO2 for SBP (−3.7 ± 2.4 mmHg, p = 0.028), DBP (−3.8 ± 1.1 mmHg, p = 0.001) and MAP (−3.6 ± 1.1 mmHg, p = 0.002). HR rose after both sessions with no between session difference (p = 0.504). Conclusion. Starting a compound strength training session with lower body exercises produced a larger and longer post exercise reduction in blood pressure than starting with upper body exercises.
Source: Acta Innovations
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223927850