Effect of interval exercise training programme on C-reactive protein in the non-pharmacological management of hypertension: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: Increased serum levels of inflammatory mediators have been associated with numerous disease states including hypertension. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with future development of hypertension and cardiovascular event in hypertension, which suggests that hypertension, is in part an inflammatory disorder. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of interval training programme on blood pressure and CRP in the non pharmacological management of hypertension.

Methods: Two hundred and forty five male subjects 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 randomly grouped to interval (n=140) and control groups (n=105). The interval (work: rest ratio of 1:1) groups involved in an 8-weeks interval training programs for between 45-60 minutes, at intensities of 60-79% of HR reserve, while the control group remained sedentary during this period. SBP, DBP, VO2max and CRP were assessed. Students't and Pearson correlation tests were used in data analysis.

Results: Findings of the study revealed significant effect of interval exercise training program on SBP, DBP and CRP. The study also showed positive significant correlation between changes in CRP and changes in SBP (r=225) and DBP (r= .324) at p<0.05.

Conclusions: It was concluded that moderate intensity interval training programs is effective in the non-pharmacological management of hypertension and may prevent cardiovascular event through the down regulation of CRP in hypertension.