OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the effect of resistance training performed with single (SET1) or three sets (SET3) on muscle strength and resting blood pressure (BP) of individuals with hypertension. BP was also assessed during knee extension exercise with submaximal load before and after training. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with hypertension were randomly assigned to a control group (CON: n = 12; 55.6 +/- 3.2 years; 65.3 +/- 9.3 kg; 163.5 +/- 8.6 cm), SET1 group (n = 14; 58.1 +/- 2.0 years; 65.4 +/- 8.7 kg; 162.4 +/- 11.1 cm) or SET3 group (n = 12; 57.9 +/- 2.4 years; 66.3 +/- 11.4 kg; 161.6 +/- 7.5 cm). The training was conducted for 12 weeks (3 d/w; 4 exercises; 12 to 15 repetitions; moderate intensity). RESULTS: No differences were found in pre-training values for BP and strength between groups. After training, SET3 showed lower values than CON for resting systolic (121.3 +/- 8.0 versus 129.3 +/- 10.3 mmHg; p = 001) and diastolic BP (73.5 +/- 6.0 versus 79.5 +/- 7.4 mmHg; p = 0.02). Muscle strength in bench-press and knee extension exercises increased in SET1 (48.1 +/- 6.3 and 71.3 +/- 12.2 kg, respectively) and SET3 (50.2 +/- 7.8 and 75.2 +/- 9.6 kg, respectively) in relation to CON (39.3 +/- 5.1 and 62.4 +/- 9.9 kg) (p < 0.01). BP during knee extension (70% of one maximal repetition) did not differ between groups either before or after training. CONCLUSION: Resistance training with a single set could be interesting when there is a need to increase muscle strength without necessarily reducing resting BP. On the other hand, the performance of three sets increased muscle strength and reduced BP at rest in individuals with hypertension.

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