Post-exercise hypotension after different volumes of combined calisthenic and walking exercises in older adults with hypertension: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the acute effects of combined calisthenic and walking exercises using different volumes on blood pressure (BP) in aging adults with primary hypertension. A total of 48 participants with primary hypertension aged 50-80 years were randomly assigned into two groups that performed two experimental sessions each: a non-exercising CONTROL session and a LOW (group 1) or HIGH (group 2) volume exercise session. The order of these sessions was randomized. The exercise protocols lasted 30 min (LOW) or 60 min (HIGH) and consisted of calisthenic exercises combined with continuous walking or jogging. Exercise intensity was controlled using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. BP was measured at baseline and after each session for 60 min. Results showed that systolic BP was lower after the HIGH session at post 30' (p = 0.03), post 40' (p = 0.03), post 50' (p = 0.04), and post 60' (p < 0.02), and after the LOW session at post 30' (p = 0.02), post 40' (p < 0.01), post 50' (p < 0.01), and post 60' (p < 0.01) when compared to the corresponding CONTROL at the same time point. There were no significant differences in systolic and diastolic BP between the HIGH and LOW sessions. In conclusion, a pragmatic combined training session using different volumes acutely reduces BP in older adults with primary hypertension.