Effects of moderate-intensity group exercise on blood pressure and functional capacity in hypertensive post-menopausal women

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a proposal of moderate-intensity group exercise (EGMI) program on blood pressure (BP) and functional capacity (VO2peak) in hypertensive post-menopausal women. Thirty female volunteers (63.36 +/- 1.06 y; 158.6 +/- 5.50 cm; 70.97 +/- 9.44 kg; 28.21 +/- 2.60 kg.m(-2)) were randomly assigned to an EGMI group (n=15) and a control (n=15, CG), which maintained its activities of daily life, for 12 weeks. Systolic (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and VO2peak, estimated using the six-minute walk test, were evaluated before and after the intervention. Significant change in SBP was found in the EGMI group (mean change [95% CI], p-value, Cohen's d; -9.2 [-3.95, -14.44] mmHg, p=0.002, d=-0.7), while no changes were found in CG. DBP was unchanged in the EGMI group but increased significantly in the CG (10.0 [3.72, 16.27] mmHg, p=0.004, d=1.1). A significant increase in estimated VO2peak was observed in EGMI (3.87 [2.91, 4.82] ml.kg-1.min(-1), p<0.001, d=1.2), with no difference in CG. There were significant differences between the groups in SBP and estimated VO2peak (p=0.05). Our proposal of EGMI reduces SBP and improves functional capacity in hypertensive post-menopausal women over 60 years old.

Automated summary

The study found that implementing a moderate-intensity group exercise program can effectively lower systolic blood pressure and improve functional capacity in hypertensive post-menopausal women. After the EGMI program, significant improvements in SBP and estimated VO2peak were observed in the hypertensive women, while there were no significant changes in the control group.