The blood pressure response of older men to maximum and sub-maximum strength testing

Strength testing is commonly used to determine the muscular strength of older individuals participating in a resistance training program. The purpose of this study was to non-invasively examine and compare the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) response of maximum and sub-maximum strength tests in older men. Twenty-four healthy men aged 70–80 yr were recruited for the study. Participants completed a 1 repetition maximum (RM) strength test and four days later a sub-maximum strength test on an incline squat. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HR were measured by plethysmography during and immediately after the strength tests. SBP, DBP and HR were (P < 0.001) higher during the 1RM and sub-maximum strength tests compared to resting values. Twenty seconds post 1RM, SBP and HR were higher than resting values. Twenty seconds post sub-maximum strength testing SBP and DBP were lower (P < 0.02) and HR (P < 0.001) was higher than resting values. SBP, DBP and HR were higher (P < 0.001) during sub-maximum strength testing compared to 1RM testing. Twenty seconds post testing, SBP and DBP were lower (P < 0.001) and HR was higher (P < 0.001) for the sub-maximum strength tests compared to the 1RM. The results of our study demonstrate that sub-maximum strength testing resulted in greater changes in BP and HR compared to 1RM strength testing. The lower cardiovascular stress experienced during the 1RM shows that this may be a safer method of testing compared to sub-maximum strength testing in men aged 70–80 yr.