Moderate intensity endurance exercise: a beneficial intervention for relative cardiovascular parameters of primary and secondary hypertensive patients. Randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Hypertension remains one of the most important preventable contributors to morbidity and mortality. Physical activity of moderate intensity has been recommended for the prevention and complementary treatment of hypertension and to improve longevity. We hypothesised that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise would result in improving relative cardiovascular parameters of primary and secondary hypertensive patients.

Method

This study was a multi-centre randomised controlled trial. In this study, a 6-weeks programme of moderate-intensity exercise using cycle-ergometer was administered to both primary and secondary hypertensive experimental groups compared with primary and secondary hypertensive control groups. The outcome measures (Systolic Blood Pressure―SBP, Diastolic Blood Pressure―DBP, and Heart Rate―HR) were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks. Analyses were conducted using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for between groups comparison. Paired t-test was used to determine within group differences.

Result

Sixty nine (69) participants with a mean ± SD age of 40.89 ± 8.23 years completed the study. Significant positive reduction in SBP 9.91–9.36 mmHg and DBP 10.5–9.94 mmHg were observed between baseline and 6 weeks in the experimental groups. However, the reduction in SBP and DBP were observed in the experimental groups compared with the control groups. No positive change in HR across the groups was observed.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the possible benefits of short-term moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training on both primary and secondary hypertension.

Trial Registration

PACTR201902490588010

Keywords:

• Primary hypertension
• secondary hypertension
• cardiovascular parameters
• moderate intensity cycle-ergometer
• cardiovascular endurance
• complementary therapy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).