Effect of combined aerobic and resistance training on autonomic functions and exercise capacity in individuals with familial risk of hypertension

This prospective pre-test–post-test study will evaluate the effect of combined aerobic and resistance training on cardiac autonomic function and exercise capacity in normotensive young adults (18–30 years) with a familial history of hypertension. Forty-four participants will be recruited and allocated into an experimental group or control group. The intervention group will perform supervised combined exercise training (aerobic treadmill walking and resistance exercises) three times per week for four weeks. The intensity of intervention will range from 50-70% of 1RM progressing up to 60-80% of 1RM for resistance training and 50-60% of HRR progressing up to 60-70% of HRR for aerobic training. The control group will continue usual activities. Baseline data including cardiac autonomic recovery (heart rate variability), exercise capacity (6-minute walk test), and heart rate recovery, blood pressure, physical activity will be collected one day before the intervention, and post-intervention measurements will be taken one day after completion of 12 sessions of training using standardized protocols.