Training Status Levels as a Non-Pharmacological Therapeutic Tool for Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Older Adults

Abstract

Deficiency in nitrite (NO2−) concentration and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity can contribute to the high incidence of hypertension. Conversely, physical exercise has been shown to counteract these effects. Thus, the purpose of the study was to verify the effect of physical exercise programs lasting 12 weeks on the training status level (TS), plasma NO2− concentrations, ACE activity, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP / DBP) in hypertensive older adults. After 12 weeks of intervention, participants classified initially with weak TS-level obtained an improvement only in the general functional fitness index (GFFI). Regular TS-level group presented an increase in GFFI and a decrease in ACE activity (34.18 ± 17.82 / 29.73 ± 16.51, p = 0.039 / Δ=-4.44) and SBP (132.15 ± 13.14 / 125.37 ± 12.89, p = 0.006 / Δ=-6.77). Good TS-level group presented improvement in the concentration of NO2− (0.134 ± 0.04 / 0.160 ± 0.42, p = 0.001 and Δ = 0.026) and SBP (127.23 ± 11.97 / 122.52 ± 14.55, p = 0.013 and Δ=-4.70). Additionally, the analysis of functional fitness components individually did not influence the BP control variables. These results suggest that changes in the TS (regular or good) provide a positive effect on such variables in hypertensive older adults, however weak TS did not have enough intensity to generate positive changes in BP control variables.