Effect of Different Resistance Exercise Methods on Post-Exercise Blood Pressure

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the post-exercise blood pressure (BP) responses to two different methods of resistance exercise (RE, traditional multiple set and tri-set). Young adult men (n = 30, 19.6 &#; 0.7 years old; 76.0 ± 2.7 kg; 178.2 ± 6.7 cm; 90.5 ± 5.8 MBP) with six months of previous experience in RE were selected. The volunteers were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 10, each group): non-exercised control group (CON); multiple set group (MS); and a tri-set group (TRI). The TRI group performed three consecutive exercises (3 sets of 10 repetitions with 70% of 1RM and 1 minute of rest interval after the three exercises for the same muscle group) in the following order: bench press, cross-over and peck-deck and lat pull-down, seated cable row and barbell row. The multiple set group performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions for the same exercises, but with 1 minute rest interval between each set and exercise. After the exercise sessions and control situation, individuals remained seated for BP measure every 5 minutes up to 90 minutes. The repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (2 groups by three time points) was used, followed by post-hoc Bonferroni test, for p≤0.05. There were no significant alterations for systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with the CON group and in the moments after exercise. Heart rate was increased after exercise for both exercised groups in all post-exercise measures compared with baseline. RE method (MS or TRI) exerted no influence on post-exercise blood pressure. Post-exercise induced hypotension may require the recruitment of larger muscle groups, such as those of the lower limbs

Differences in Weight Status and Energy-Balance Related Behaviors among Schoolchildren across Europe: The ENERGY-Project

Background: Current data on the prevalence of overweight and energy-balance behaviors among European children is necessary to inform overweight prevention interventions. Methodology/Principal Findings: A school-based survey among 10–12 year old children was conducted in seven European countries using a standardized protocol. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured; Engagement in physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviors, and sleep duration were self-reported. Descriptive analyses were conducted, looking at differences according to country, gender, and parental education. 7234 children (52%girls; 11.6±0.7 years) participated. 25.8% and 5.4% of boys, and 21.8% and 4.1% of girls were overweight (including obese) and obese (according to International Obesity Task Force criteria), respectively. Higher prevalence of overweight/obesity was observed in Greece, Hungary, Slovenia and Spain than in Belgium, Netherlands and Norway. Large differences between countries were found in intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, breakfast, active transport, TV and computer time. More favorable overweight status and behavior patterns were found in girls than boys and in children of higher educated parents than in children of lower educated parents. Conclusions/Significance: High levels and striking differences in overweight status and potential risk behaviors were found among schoolchildren across Europe