Impact of rest interval on post-exercise cardiovascular responses: A brief review

Background: The rest interval is considered a key variable in strength training, due to its direct influence on physiological and training responses. However, most research on rest intervals focuses on performance, strength gains, and muscle hypertrophy. Therefore, analysis of the rest interval in other demands, such as cardiovascular responses, for example, is necessary. Objectives: The objective of this study was to review the impact of rest intervals on cardiovascular responses in the post-exercise period. Methods: The research was developed in the PubMed, BIREME/BVS, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases using the search words: “rest interval”, “rest periods”, “resistance training”, “strength training”, “hypotension” and “post-exercise hypotension” in different combinations with the help of the Boolean operators “OR/AND”. As inclusion criteria were considered: a) studies in the English language; b) that investigated the hypotensive effect after resistance training sessions and c) that investigated the rest interval variable. Results: After the removal of duplicate studies, of articles excluded based on the title and abstract, in the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were included in this review. Conclusion: According to the results found in this review, if the objective is to reduce blood pressure acutely, the rest intervals between 2 and 3 minutes can be considered a safe and efficient option, since short intervals (<1 minute) promote greater cardiac stress. Therefore, individuals who require special care should exercise with caution at short intervals.