Reduced central blood pressure in older adults following progressive resistance training

The effect of a programme of resistance training on central blood pressure ( BP) and arterial stiffness was studied in 17 men and women aged 65 - 78 years. Following 20 weeks of training, central systolic and diastolic BPs were significantly reduced by 6 and 3 mm Hg, respectively, with little change to systemic arterial stiffness. Overall, resistance training as a sole exercise intervention conferred clinically significant reductions in central BP.