From U Sao Paulo: Exercise and blood pressure in elderly hypertensive men

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22481693

Rev Bras Fisioter. 2012 Apr 5. pii: S1413-35552012005000013. [Epub ahead of print]

Exercise training program based on minimum weekly frequencies: effects on blood pressure and physical fitness in elderly hypertensive patients.

[Article in Portuguese, English]

Moraes WM, Souza PR, Pinheiro MH, Irigoyen MC, Medeiros A, Koike MK.

Source

School of Physical Education and Sport, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Exercise training (ET) can reduce blood pressure (BP) and prevent functional disability. However, the effects of low volumes of training have been poorly studied, especially in elderly hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the effects of a multi-component ET program (aerobic training, strength, flexibility, and balance) on BP, physical fitness, and functional ability of elderly hypertensive patients.

METHODS:

Thirty-six elderly hypertensive patients with optimal clinical treatment underwent a multi-component ET program: two 60-minute sessions a week for 12 weeks at a Basic Health Unit.

RESULTS:

Compared to pre-training values, systolic and diastolic BP were reduced by 3.6% and 1.2%, respectively (p<0.001), body mass index was reduced by 1.1% (p<0.001), and peripheral blood glucose was reduced by 2.5% (p=0.002). There were improvements in all physical fitness domains: muscle strength (chair-stand test and elbow flexor test; p<0.001), static balance test (unipedal stance test; p<0.029), aerobic capacity (stationary gait test; p<0.001), except for flexibility (sit and reach test). Moreover, there was a reduction in the time required to perform two functional ability tests: "put on sock" and "sit down, stand up, and move around the house" (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Lower volumes of ET improved BP, metabolic parameters, and physical fitness and reflected in the functional ability of elderly hypertensive patients.