Effectiveness of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Training for Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Physical exercise is a well-established method for managing blood pressure (BP). The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of aerobic, resistance, and a combination of both aerobic plus resistance training on BP, body composition (BC), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among hypertensive patients.

Methods: The total population was sixty hypertensive patients; of these, forty-eight male adults (45.28 ± 7.44, years); with a sedentary lifestyle were randomized to one of the three exercise interventions or a control group. Subjects in all three exercise groups had an equal total exercise time (60 minutes), which included 10-15 minutes of warming up and dynamic stretching, 10-15 minutes of cooling down and static stretching and 30- 40 minutes for the main workout. Data were presented as mean (standard deviation, SD) or mean change with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: All three-intervention trainings showed improvement in BP, CRF, and BC. However, the most effective intervention training was combined training. Combined training resulted in significant reductions in body composition, resting heart rate (RHR) and, BP: body weight -7.92 kg, BML -5.96 kg/m2, SBP -17.75mmHg, DBP -12.5 mmHg, RHR -8.17 bpm, and percent body fat (%BF) -6.49%. The aerobic training group only increased VO2max 12.44 ml/kg/m.

Conclusion: Compared to aerobic or resistance training alone, a 12-week of combination exercise may offer more comprehensive advantages for those at a higher risk for hypertension.