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Abstract
Arterial hypertension occurring during heavy resistance exercise may be a risk factor
for stroke in healthy young adults. Any training method that ameliorates the pressor
effect of exercise should reduce the risk of stroke. The objective of this study was
to observe the influence of breathing technique on arterial blood pressure (BP) generated
during heavy, dynamic weight lifting. BP was recorded in 10 male athletes by radial
artery catheterization. Each subject then performed double-leg press sets at 85% and
100% of maximum. Each exercise was performed twice, once with closed glottis Valsalva,
and then with slow exhalation during concentric contraction. The mean BP at 100% maximum
with Valsalva was 311/284. The highest pressure recorded in an individual was 370/360.
With slow exhalation, the mean BP was 198/175 when the same 100% maximum was lifted
(p < .005). A reduced pressor response was also noted at 85% maximal lifting with slow
exhalation. Arterial hypertension produced during heavy weight lifting with Valsalva
is extreme and may be dramatically reduced when the exercise is performed with an
open glottis (without Valsalva). It is concluded that heavy resistance exercise is
safer when performed while the subject breathes with an open glottis.
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Article info
Footnotes
No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the authors or upon any organization with which the authors are associated.
Identification
Copyright
© 1995 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc.
