Effects of a Single Dose of Beetroot Juice on Functional and Cardiovascular Changes Following Acute Resistance Training in Men with Hypertension

Background and Objective: Elevated blood pressure may develop in hypertensive patients after performing resistance training. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of beetroot juice on cardiovascular and functional changes during and after a session of acute resistance training in men with hypertension. Materials and Methods: In the present single-blind quasi-experimental study, 20 men with hypertension were randomly divided into two groups of Beetroot Juice (BJ) and Placebo (PLA). Upper and lower body muscular strength, Perceived Exertion (RPE), Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), and resting and continuous Heart Rate (HR) were measured after resistance training in the pre-test. In the post-test, BJ and PLA groups consumed beetroot juice and non-caloric cherry flavor Beverage (4.5 mg/Kg Bodyweight), respectively, 150 minutes before repeating the measurements. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA, student’s t-test, and Mann– Whitney U test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Beetroot juice significantly reduced SBP, DBP, and HR at rest and after resistance training compared to PLA. Furthermore, BJ significantly increased lower body muscular strength and decreased RPE during resistance training. Conclusion: Beetroot juice is a useful beverage that easily and harmlessly controls blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This drink prevents the risk of high blood pressure in addition to improving performance during resistance training.