OBJECTIVES:
To compare the effects of combinations of resistance training (RT) and static stretching (SS) on heart rate (HR), systolic pressure (SBP), diastolic pressure (DBP), rate pressure product (RPP), oxygen saturation (SpO
2
), rating of perceived effort (RPE), and heart rate variability (HRV) in men.
METHODS:
Twelve normotensive healthy men participated in four protocols: a) SS+RT, b) RT+SS, c) RT, and d) SS. Variables were measured before, immediately after, and 15, 30, and 45 min after the sessions.
RESULTS:
The combination of SS and RT increased (
p
<0.001) HR when compared to the effects of the noncombined protocols (from 2.38 to 11.02%), and this result indicated metabolic compensation. Regarding DBP, there were differences (
p
<0.001) between the RT and SS groups (53.93±8.59
vs
. 67.00±7.01 mmHg). SS has been shown to be able to reduce (
p
<0.001) SpO
2
(4.67%) due to the occlusion caused by a reduction in the caliber of the blood vessels during SS compared to during rest. The increase in RPP (6.88% between RT and SS+RT) along with the HR results indicated higher metabolic stress than that reflected by the RPE (combined protocols increased RPE from 21.63 to 43.25%). The HRV analysis confirmed these results, showing increases (
p
<0.01) in the LF index between the combined and noncombined protocols. Compared to the effect of RT, the combination of SS and RT promoted a vagal suppression root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD) index (from 9.51 to 21.52%) between the RT and SS+RT groups (
p
<0.01) and between the RT and RT+SS groups (
p
<0.001).
CONCLUSION:
Static stretching increases cardiac overload and RPE, reducing oxygen supply, especially when performed in combination with RT.