This study investigated the effects of dynamic resistance exercise (DRE), isometric handgrip exercise (IHE) and combined resistance exercise (DRE plus IHE) on post-exercise hypotension (PEH) and its hemodynamic, autonomic, and vascular mechanisms. For that, 70 medicated hypertensives men (52 +/- 8 years) were randomly allocated to perform one of the following interventions: DRE (3 sets, 8 exercises, 50% of 1RM), IHE (4 sets, 2 min, 30% of MVC), CRE (DRE plus IHE) and control (CON, seated rest). Before and after the interventions, blood pressure (BP), systemic hemodynamics, cardiovascular autonomic modulation and brachial vascular parameters were evaluated. After the DRE and CRE, systolic and mean BP decreased (SBP -7 +/- 6 and -8 +/- 8 mmHg; MBP -4 +/- 5 and -5 +/- 5 mmHg, respectively, all p < 0.05), vascular conductance increased (+0.47 +/- 0.61 and +0.40 +/- 0.47 ml/min/mmHg, respectively, both p < 0.05) and baroreflex sensitivity decreased (-0.15 +/- 0.38 and -0.29 +/- 0.47 ms/mmHg, respectively, both p < 0.05) in comparison to pre-exercise values. No variable presented any significant change after IHE. The responses observed after CRE were similar to DRE and significantly different from CON and IHE. In conclusion, DRE, but not IHE, elicits PEH, which happens concomitantly to skeletal muscle vasodilation and decreased baroreflex sensitivity. Moreover, adding IHE to DRE does not potentiate PEH and neither changes its mechanisms. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Data from this study derived from an ongoing longitudinal clinical trial approved by the Institution's Ethics Committee of Human Research (process 2.870.688) and registered at the Brazilian Clinical Trials (RBR-4fgknb) at http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br.
Reprinted by permission from Journal of Human Hypertension, Macmillan Publishers Ltd.

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