Differential Effects of the Type of Physical Exercise on Blood Pressure in Independent Older Adults.

BACKGROUND

Exercise and its effect on cardiovascular diseases have been extensively studied in the elderly population. The difference in blood pressure (BP) between fit and unfit subjects can be >5 mmHg. It is not well established whether the positive effects of exercising on BP are associated with exercise type, be it aerobic or anaerobic (maximal muscle strength).

HYPOTHESIS

Anaerobic training (maximal muscle strength) causes greater improvements than aerobic training on BP in active older adults.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

This clinical trial was carried out with 202 participants (n = 116 aerobic program [ABPG], n = 86 strength program [SBPG]; 58.05% female; age 67.61 ± 5.01 years). The training program was carried out between 2018 and 2021. Periodic evaluations of BP (systolic BP [SBP] and diastolic BP [DBP]) were conducted with a frequency of twice per year. BP comparisons were made by using 2 × 2 analysis of variance with repeated measurements over the course of the 4 years of the project.

RESULTS

Throughout the training program, SBPG showed significant and consistent improvements in both SBP and DBP ( < 0.01). On the other hand, the ABPG reported a significant initial improvement ( < 0.01), which was not repeated in subsequent years. BP monitoring carried out over the 4 years showed a decrease in DBP and SBP, with this decrease being more pronounced in SBPG. However, the differences between the groups were not significant (2021; DBP, = 1.227; = 0.27; SBP, = 0.826, = 0.36).

CONCLUSION

Among persons aged ≥65 years, muscle strength training programs appear to be more effective in inducing exercise-related positive changes in BP and cardiovascular risk factors compared with aerobic exercise programs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Muscle strength training programs result in favorable changes in BP and cardiovascular risk factors.