| Impact of Aerobic Interval Training on Blood Pressure and Myocardial Function in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial |
| Paper ID : 1357-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Solale Moradi * Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Physical education, Azad Islamic University |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Hypertension is a common health issue in Iran, and exercise plays a key role in its prevention and management. However, optimal training parameters—such as intensity, frequency, and duration—are still debated. This study aimed to assess the effects of aerobic interval training (AIT) on blood pressure and myocardial function in Iranian patients with essential hypertension. Methods: Forty-four patients (mean age: 52.0 ± 7.8 years, 22 women) diagnosed with essential hypertension were randomly assigned to one of three groups: aerobic interval training (intensity >90% maximal heart rate, corresponding to 85-90% of VO2max), moderate intensity continuous training (MIT) (∼70% maximal HR, 60% VO2max), or a control group. Participants performed their respective exercise regimens on a treadmill, three times per week, for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). Secondary outcomes included VO2max, mean 24-hour heart rate, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), total peripheral resistance (TPR), and myocardial function (systolic and diastolic) assessed through echocardiography. Results: After 12 weeks, systolic ABP decreased significantly by 12 mmHg in the AIT group (p < 0.001) and 4.5 mmHg in the MIT group (p = 0.05). Diastolic ABP decreased by 8 mmHg in the AIT group (p < 0.001) and 3.5 mmHg in the MIT group (p = 0.02). VO2max improved by 15% in the AIT group (p < 0.001) and 5% in the MIT group (p < 0.01). Both groups showed improvements in systolic myocardial function, but diastolic function was enhanced only in the AIT group. Additionally, only the AIT group exhibited a reduction in TPR and an increase in FMD. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the effectiveness of exercise in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients is intensity-dependent. Aerobic interval training is an effective intervention for lowering blood pressure and improving other cardiovascular risk factors, particularly diastolic myocardial function and endothelial function, |
| Keywords |
| Aerobic interval training, hypertension, blood pressure, myocardial function. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
