Effect of interval training programme on pulse pressure in the management of hypertension: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Pulse pressure (PP), might be a stronger determinants of cardiovascular risk. Objective: To investigate the effect of interval training program on PP in subjects with hypertension. Methods: Two hundred and forty five male patients with mild to moderate (Systolic Blood Pressure [SBP] between 140-179 & Diastolic Blood Pressure [DBP] between 90-109 mmHg) essential hypertension were age-matched and grouped into exercise and control groups. The exercise (work: rest ratio of 1:1) groups involved in an 8-weeks interval training programs of between 45-60 minutes, at intensities of 60-79% of HR max (maximum heart rate), while the control group remained sedentary during this period. SBP, DBP, VO 2 max and PP were assessed. Results: Findings of the study revealed significant correlation between PP and blood pressure; correlation of PP with SBP was much stronger (95% variance). Also, there was significant effect of the exercise training program on SBP, DBP and PP. Changes in VO 2 max also negatively correlated with changes in PP (r= -.285) at p<0.05. Conclusion: Moderate intensity interval training programs is effective in the non-pharmacological management of hypertension and may prevent cardiovascular event through the down regulation of PP in hypertension.

Effect of an adapted physical activity program on the morphological and physiological profile of hypertensive patients of University Clinics of Kinshasa

“…Regarding the physiological parameters, we noticed that after the intervention program the hypertensive subjects significantly improved their systolic blood pressure while their diastolic blood pressure was not statistically modified. Our results corroborate those of Sikiru and Okoye [12] who demonstrated that physical activity has a faster effect on systolic blood pressure than diastolic. A recent meta-analyses by Bangalore et al [13], indicate that by training 3 to 5 times a week for 4 months at a rate of 20 to 60 minutes per training session, a decrease of -7.6 to 11.1 mmHg systolic pressure and -6.7 to 7.6 mmHg diastolic pressure.…”

Effect of short moderate intensity exercise bouts on cardiovascular function and maximal oxygen consumption in sedentary older adults

“…This mix of results suggest that none of the regimes is superior. Recent studies have shown workouts lasting >45 min for a period of 8 weeks duration reduce PP,46 and our study shows that exercise bouts lasting <10 min, performed regularly, are also effective in reducing the PP. However, the proposed threshold for improved PP, that is, <76 mm Hg,44 45 was not achieved in this study, and probably a longer period of exercise may further improve PP.…”

Exercise, Blood Pressure and Mortality: Findings of Eight Years of Follow-Up

“…Among the hypertensive patients in the present study, blood pressure was reduced after eight years of regular exercise. A number of studies have reported that exercise reduces blood pressure in both hypertensive and normotensive subjects [12][13][14] . Although the mechanisms by which regular exercise reduces blood pressure are not completely clear [15][16][17] , the benefits of physical activity may accrue through reduction of other cardiovascular risk factors, such as improved glucose tolerance 18 or lower BMI and visceral fat 19 , resulting in a lower occurrence of comorbidities associated with hypertension 20 .…”