Effect of the set configuration of resistance exercise on cardiovascular control and perceived exertioninteraction with the type of exercise

Abstract

After resistance exercise, there are reductions in cardiovagal control and baroreflex sensitivity, and decrements in blood pressure, that may have clinical relevance. This thesis present three studies that explored the interaction between set configuration and the type of exercise on the cardiac parasympathetic control, blood pressure, and perceived exertion. For this, maximal and submaximal sets were tested with exercises differing in the muscle mass involved. The results indicated that longer sets have a higher cardiac parasympathetic withdrawal and higher values of perceived exertion in comparison with shorter sets. Also, short sets with an inter-repetition rest design may not produce a reduction in cardiac parasympathetic activity. Submaximal sets did not affect post-exercise blood pressure but a long set leading to failure produced post-exercise hypotension in disregard of the exercise used. Lastly, the effect of set configurations on autonomic control and perceived exertion were dependant on the exercise performed, with dissimilar effects depending on the muscle mass involved and the set configuration used. This suggests that the prescription of resistance exercise through the set configuration may have important applications in training since it permits a control of cardiac parasympathetic reduction, the onset of post-exercise hypotension, and a modulation of perceived exertion.