Effects of oxidizing potential of working muscles on blood pressure of athletes from strength sports

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PhD, Associate Professor A.B. Miroshnikov1
PhD, Associate Professor P.N. Levashov1
PhD, Associate Professor A.V. Tarasov1
Postgraduate student A.D. Formenov1
1Russian State University of Physical Education, Sports, Youth and Tourism (SCOLIPE), Moscow

Objective of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the effects of the growth of oxidizing potential of the working muscles and changes in the body composition on the blood pressure rates in hypertensive athletes from strength sports.
Methods and structure of the study. The study involved 55 strength sports representatives (powerlifters) of different qualifications (CMS, MS) and of heavy weight categories only (body weight - 101.4±5.3 kg). The athletes were randomly divided into two groups: Experimental (n=35) and Control (n=20). The mean age of the male athletes was 31.0±7.3 years. The Experimental Group athletes were trained for 120 days (3 times a week) in accordance with the following protocol: the traditional strength training system was supplemented by the aerobic load (training on a cycle ergometer, 7 high-intensity intervals (with the pedaling power of 100% of MOC), 2 minutes each, and a low-intensity interval with heart rate at the level of 85% of AnT, 2 minutes. The high intensity interval training (HIIT) session lasted 28 minutes. The Control Group athletes were trained for 120 days (3 times a week) in accordance with the traditional strength training protocol.
Results and conclusion. The study found that the 120-day physical rehabilitation led to the reduction of the fat mass in the hypertensive athletes of heavy weight categories. A well-known body mass index (or subcutaneous adipose tissue) reduction strategy, causing significant changes in blood pressure, can be achieved through dietary interventions only, without physical exercise. However, we proved that HIIT, apart from the athlete’s body composition, has a therapeutic and prophylactic effect on the cardiovascular system. The aerobic training protocol we developed based on the metabolic variables will help athletes to effectively and safely influence the prevention and treatment of AH. A further priority area is pedagogical work among athletes from strength sports aimed to include aerobic cycling trainings in the training protocols.

Keywords: physical rehabilitation, arterial blood pressure, powerlifting, interval training.

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