The aim of this study was to verify blood pressure (BP) responses after a single resistance exercise session in women with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Twelve patients underwent a resisted exercise session. BP, heart rate, and rate pressure product were evaluated before and during 120 min after the session. Mean cardiovascular values before and after the session were similar (P>0.05). Analysis of the individual data revealed that for 120 min after exercise, 5 and 4 patients presented a reduction in systolic and diastolic BP of ≥4 mmHg, respectively. The clinical characteristics of the patients appear to influence BP responses after exercise. Individual data showed that some of the HIV+ women demonstrated a clinically significant decrease in BP. Although a single resistance exercise session does not decrease BP in women with HIV/AIDS, individual data present heterogeneity and individual characteristics seem to influence BP reduction after a single session of resistance exercises.
Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy highly active; Blood pressure; Exercise; Human immunodeficiency virus; Resistance training.