Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of detraining on physical performance, blood pressure, biologic and anthropometric variables of hypertensive elderly individuals, grouped by two levels of previous physical activity.
Methods: A total of 87 elderly individuals (70 to 93 years old) with systolic/diastolic blood pressure levels above 120/80 mmHg who participated during 18 non-consecutive months in 2 years in physical exercise programs offered in northern Portugal communities were included in the study. Tests were performed before and after three months of no exercise. Attendance to the exercise sessions, hematological markers, cardiorespiratory function, and anthropometric variables were assessed. The results were analyzed according to the fulfillment of the WHO recommendations on moderate physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week).
Results: Weight, total cholesterol, and glucose were influenced by the amount of physical activity performed previously to the detraining period. After the detraining period, the total cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and weight had significant differences influenced by the amount of physical activity previously performed (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The number of minutes per week of aerobic and resistance exercise training over 18 non-consecutive months was not a significant determinant factor in the development of hypertension during the three months of detraining.