The Effects of Swimming on Elderly Women With Stage-2 Hypertension

The Effects of Swimming Training on Arterial Function, Strength and Cardiorespiratory Capacity in Elderly Women With Stage 2 Hypertension

Aging is associated with progressive decreases in arterial health and function as well as overall fitness. It is crucial to prevent or reduce the negative effects of aging on the vasculature and fitness components by implementing appropriate lifestyle interventions, such as exercise training. We examined the effects of a swimming (SWM) regimen on arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV), blood pressure (BP), wave reflection (AIx), muscle strength and aerobic capacity in elderly women with stage 2 hypertension.

Using a parallel experimental design, participants were randomly assigned to either SWM (n=52) or non-exercising control group (n=48) for 20 weeks. Participant in the SWM group trained 3-4 days/week, progressing in duration from 25 to 45 min. Participants' carotid to radial PWV (crPWV), systolic and diastolic BP, AIx, strength and VO2max were measured at baseline and after 20 weeks of their assigned intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• systolic/diastolic BP: 140-179 over 90-119 mm Hg
• had experienced the absence of menstruation for at least 1 year
• body mass index <30 kg/m2
• <1 h of regular exercise per week in the previous year

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoker
• Taking any medications or hormone therapy in previous year