The Influence on Blood Pressure During Daily Activities of a Single Session of Aerobic Exercise

Abstract

Previous research has examined the effectiveness of a single session of aerobic exercise in lowering blood pressure responsivity to the subsequent presentation of a nonexercise stressor in the laboratory. This case study was designed to explore the possibility that a single session of aerobic exercise might lower blood pressure for up to 4 hours postexercise as the subject engaged in his usual activities at home and at work. The subject was an untrained, unmedicated, borderline hypertensive who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring as he maintained a normal schedule of activities over a 5-day period. On 2 of the 5 days, the subject exercised at 8:30 AM for 30 minutes at 70% V_o2max. Blood pressure readings on days when the subject read for 30 minutes were compared with readings on days when he exercised. He showed an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 26.4 mm Hg at 2 hours after exercise, 24.2 mm Hg at 4 hours afterward, and 12.2 mm Hg at 9 hours after the exercise. Changes in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were smaller and less consistent. The authors concluded that the modifying influence of a single session of aerobic exercise on blood pressure responsivity to subsequent laboratory-based stressors may also extend to the natural environment. The discussion addresses theoretical, methodological, and clinical considerations in the use of aerobic exercise to modify excessive blood pressure reactivity.

Index Terms:

• aerobic exercise
• blood pressure
• cardiovascular reactivity
• hypertension
• stress management