Beyond The Gym: Investigating Post-exercise Hypotension In Outdoor Activities

PURPOSE: Arterial Blood Pressure (BP) is strongly influenced by physical activity. The temporary decrease in BP following activity is known as Post-Exercise Hypotension (PEH). Literature suggests that a viable alternative to conventional gym-based activities is found in outdoor activities, such as walking and hiking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate PEH following hiking. METHODS: The study included 11 subjects (age:24.3 ± 1.1 years; body mass: 69.3 ± 13.4 kg; height:1.7 ± 0.1 cm; BMI 23.5 ± 2.6 kg/m2). Volunteers completed a field session involving a selected hike (length ~ 3800 m). Systolic Blood Pressure (sBP) was measured 15-min before (PRE), immediately after (POST), 15-min (POST-15) and 30-min after (POST-30) the hike. Means, standard deviations and range of PRE, POST, POST-15 and POST-30 sBP were calculated for all subjects. PEH was calculated as the difference between sBP PRE and sBP POST-30 measurements. Repeated measures mixed models were applied to examine the effects of the hiking on subject’s sBP. Subjects were considered the random effect, whereas the measurement time (PRE, POST, POST-15 and POST-30) were treated as the fixed effect. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant reductions in sBP after hike were observed. Significant differences were found between PRE and POST-15 (p = 0.000), resulting in 13.8 mmHg of PEH and PRE and POST-30 (p = 0.000), resulting in 17.5 mmHg of PEH. In addition, significant differences were found between POST and POST-15 (p = 0.000), resulting in 7.7 mmHg of PEH and POST and POST-30 (p = 0.000), resulting in 11.4 mmHg of PEH. No significant differences were found between PRE and POST and POST-15 and POST-30. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of PEH was consistently observed, emphasizing its manifestation independent of the PRE session sBP. This not only underscores the capacity of hiking to induce PEH but also suggests it as a potential strategy for promoting reductions in sBP. The implications of these findings extend beyond the immediate post-exercise period, pointing to hiking as a valid modality able to simulate a sustained hypotensive response. Further research and longitudinal studies could shed light on the enduring benefits and the integration of hiking into comprehensive cardiovascular health strategies. Olga Papale's and Emanuel Festino's Ph.D. scholarships are funded by the National Reform for Recovery and Resilience (PNRR) and Pegaso University, CUP: H36E22000130001