Abstract
It is documented that regular exercise is beneficial for improving the antioxidant system, metabolic system, cardiac autonomic function, and blood pressure in those with hypertension. In this regard, low-intensity exercise is recommended for older adults, particularly those with chronic diseases. This study aimed to compare the effects of long-term regular continuous walking with intermittent walking on oxidative stress, metabolic profile, heart rate variability, and blood pressure in older adults with hypertension. Forty-three participants with hypertension aged 60–80 years were randomly divided into the continuous or intermittent walking (CON or INT) groups. Participants in the CON group walked for 30 min, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Participants in the INT group split 30 min walking into 3 identical sessions punctuated by a 1 min rest after each session, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Antioxidant and oxidative stress markers, metabolic markers, heart rate variability, and blood pressure were evaluated before and after the exercise program. Glutathione (GSH), GSH to GSH disulfide (GSSG) ratio, and total GSH increased significantly, and GSSG and malondialdehyde decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05) without significant differences between groups. Triglycerides, ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and atherosclerogenic index were significantly lower in the CON group than those in the INT group (p < 0.05). The standard deviation of the NN intervals and root mean square of the successive differences were significantly higher, and low-frequency power was significantly lower in the INT group than that in the CON group (p < 0.05). No significant changes in blood pressure were noted in both groups, and nor were there any significant differences between groups. Long-term regular continuous and intermittent walking may comparably increase antioxidants, reduce oxidative stress, and be beneficial for improving important blood pressure-related outcomes, including metabolic profile or cardiac autonomic function in older adults with hypertension.
Highlights
Hypertension affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, and that number is growing [1], mainly as a result of an aging population [2]
Results of Going et al [59] demonstrated a strong relationship between %BF and chronic disease risk factors, that is, blood pressure (BP), lipids and lipoproteins, glucose, insulin, and C-reactive protein levels. %BF has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome in both men and women, independent of body mass index (BMI) [60]
Findings from a study by Chiu et al [62] revealed that regular low-intensity exercise at 40 to 50% heart rate reserve resulted in significantly decreased Body mass (BM) (−2.9 kg), BMI (−1 kg/m2), Waist circumference (WC) (−5.3 cm), W/H ratio (−0.04), %BF (−1.70%), and fat mass (FM) (−2.6 kg) in sedentary obese college students
Summary
Hypertension affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, and that number is growing [1], mainly as a result of an aging population [2]. In 2016, 17.9 million or 44% of noncommunicable disease-related deaths were due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) with hypertension the leading risk factor [3]. Hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for premature death and disability. Treatment and control of hypertension are critically significant for preventing consequent CVD, premature death, and disability [4]. Metabolic, and autonomic nervous benefits has led many guidelines to suggest long-term regular exercise as one of the best proven nonpharmacological interventions for preventing and Journal of Environmental and Public Health treating hypertension [5]. Long-term regular exercise is associated with the boost of antioxidant capacity and diminution of oxidative stress levels, which subsequently results in redox balance conservation and cellular homeostasis [6]. Oxidative stress plays a mechanistic role in the control of blood pressure (BP) and the development of hypertension and CVD [6, 7]
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