Effects of a personalized physical exercise program in peripheral and central blood pressure in community dwelling old hypertensive adults: the AGA@4life intervention model.

Abstract

We aimed at testing the effect of a tailored physical exercise intervention program on brachial and central blood pressure (bBP and cBP, respectively) in a group of hypertensive old adults. Thirty-three participants (mean age: 82 ± 9 years) were divided into two groups (intervention group and control group) according to their adherence to the physical training program. The exercise program included aerobic and strength components, prescribed in a personalized approach, and implemented under a strict control of two experienced professionals. An oscillometric-based device was used to measure bBP and cBP, both at baseline ant 3 months after the intervention period. The groups had similar clinical and demographic characteristics at baseline. No significant changes were observed in any of the considered endpoints in the control group. Conversely, a significant reduction was depicted in the intervention group, for both bBP and cBP. The results demonstrate that physical exercise prescribed in a tailored approach is an effective nonpharmacological tool to reduce pBP and cBP in older adults.