The effects of low intensity aerobic exercise on blood pressur

Immobility and hypertension (HTN) are known risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and crebrovascular accident (CVA). Blood pressure control (in normal range) would prevent or postpone CHD and CVA. Non-pharmacological method is one of the most important measures in control of high blood pressure. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of low intensity aerobic exercise on blood pressure of employees with essential hypertension. This is a quasi-experimental study in which, 36 male employees suffering from hypertension who referred to the health facility centers of Boroujen, participated in a low intensive exercise program for four weeks, three times (each one, 20-30 min.) a week with intensity of about 50%-60% maximum heart rate (MHR). Before beginning of the exercise, immediately after that, and one week later, the parameters blood pressure, heartbeat, and body mass index and weight were measured. Using statistical methods (t test and analysis variance) the data were analyzed. The mean age of the subjects studied was 46.13±5 years. Before and after the intervention (exercise), the mean of systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), were 150.04±12 mmHg and 149.5±11 mmHg (p>0.05), 109.4±6 mmHg and 106.3±6 mmHg (p<0.01), and 109.4±6 mmHg and 106.3±6 mmHg (p<0.001), respectively. In the cases of heart rate, weight, and body mass index, no significant reduction was observed. Based on these results, the low intensity aerobic exercise is an effective method for the control of blood pressure.