Effect of Isometric and Aerobic Physical Exercise on Blood Pressure Levels in Hypertensive Elderly People

Effect of Isometric and Aerobic Physical Exercise on Blood Pressure Levels in Hypertensive Elderly People: Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Adequate blood pressure control is necessary to reduce the risk of mortality from cardiovascular events. The effects of aerobic exercise on systemic arterial hypertension are already well known, however, to date, there is little evidence regarding the effect of an isometric exercise session for the lower limbs on blood pressure levels, especially when performed in elderly hypertensive individuals. Objective: To verify the effect of an isometric or aerobic exercise protocol for the lower limbs on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in elderly hypertensive individuals.

Introduction: Adequate blood pressure control is necessary to reduce the risk of mortality from cardiovascular events. The effects of aerobic exercise on systemic arterial hypertension are already well known, however, to date, there is little evidence regarding the effect of an isometric exercise session for the lower limbs on blood pressure levels, especially when performed in elderly hypertensive individuals. Objective: To verify the effect of an isometric or aerobic exercise protocol for the lower limbs on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in elderly hypertensive individuals.

Methods: Thirty-six controlled hypertensive volunteers, aged ≥ 60 years, of both sexes, will be randomly selected based on their medical records. Volunteers will be randomized to perform an isometric wall squat exercise session (n=12 - 4 repetitions of 2 minutes of execution and 2 minutes of rest, performed at a specific angle of the volunteer's knee joint - Borg scale of 11 to 13 points - moderate intensity) or an aerobic exercise session on a stationary bike (n=12 - 40 minutes and at moderate intensity stipulated between the range of 50% to 60% of HR reserve and Borg scale of 11 to 13 points - moderate intensity) or a control session without exercise, 40 minutes per session (n=12). 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring will be performed pre- and post-session. Statistical analyzes will be performed using the ANOVA test (one way), power of 80% and alpha 95%, SPSS-26.0.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hypertensive elderly;
• Both genders;
• Aged ≥ 60 years;
• Hypertensive patients on continuous use of antihypertensive medication;
• Hypertensive who did not practice physical exercise regularly (≥ 2 sessions per week).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those who presented one of the following issues will be excluded:
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Chronic renal failure;
• Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2;
• Coronary artery disease;
• Heart failure;
• Any injury to the lower limbs;
• Smokers.