Combined Training with Aerobic Exercise Performed Outdoors Can Promote Better Blood Pressure and Affective Responses in Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of two models of combined training (CT) (aerobic and resistance exercise realized in the same training session), with aerobic training performed in different environments (indoor or outdoor), on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and affective response in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. Twenty-six participants were allocated, in a non-randomized design, into CT with aerobic exercise performed indoors (ICT) or outdoors (OCT). Both groups were submitted to three weekly CT sessions, with aerobic exercises performed on ergometers or an athletics track. Before and after nine weeks of training, BP and HR at rest were measured. In the last session of the training, the affective response was collected. The individuals were 65.8 ± 7.8 (ICT) and 67.3 ± 8.2 (OCT) years. Lower values of diastolic BP were observed for the OCT group at post-training (p < 0.001). Moreover, in OCT, a significant inverse correlation was identified between the affective response to training and changes in systolic BP (r = −0.60; p = 0.03) and mean BP (r = −0.62; p = 0.02). In conclusion, CT, with aerobic exercise performed outdoors, seems to be more effective in reducing BP with better affective responses to training.