Influence of a 10-Week Controlled Exercise Program on Resting Blood Pressure in Sedentary Older Adults.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 10-week controlled aerobic exercise program on resting blood pressure (BP) and magnitude of BP change response to such training in sedentary elderly individuals. Methods: Previously sedentary participants aged 75 years and older were randomized to either a control or one of two exercise groups. Subjects in exercise groups performed aerobic exercise at moderate or high intensity, 3 days per week for 40 minutes per session. Resting BP was measured in sitting position at pre- and post-intervention. Results: The high-intensity exercise group showed a significant reduction in resting systolic BP (-7.8 mmHg) and diastolic BP (-9.6 mmHg). Significant BP decreases for the moderate-intensity exercise group were only observed on diastolic BP (-8.4 mmHg) but not systolic BP (-5.2 mmHg, P = 0.25). Conclusion: The data suggest that the lowering effect of a 10-week aerobic exercise program on resting systolic BP may be closely related to the training intensity. However, other regimens may have influence on the reduction of resting diastolic BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]