RESISTANT HYPERTENSION PATIENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ABOUT AN AEROBIC EXERCISE PROGRAM: INSIGHTS FROM THE ENRICH TRIAL

Abstract

Objective: Aerobic exercise training programs decrease blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. However, patients’ experiences regarding exercise training participation are often undervalued. The aim of this study is to explore the lived experiences of patients with resistant hypertension who participated in a 12-week moderate intensity aerobic exercise training program. Design and method: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with twenty patients (11 males and 9 females) with resistant hypertension, after the exercise program. Participants’ mean age was 58.9 ± 8.9 years and were taking an average of 4.7 ± 0.9 antihypertensive medications. Focus group interviews were performed to explore participants’ perspectives. The interviews were video-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and submitted to thematic analysis. Results: Five main themes have emerged from interviews’ analyses: 1) impacts of participating in the exercise program; 2) facilitators of adherence to exercise; 3) perceived barriers; 4) perception of the program structure; and 5) global satisfaction with the exercise training program. Overall positive benefits were reported regarding emotional and physical well-being, associated with a decrease in daily life stress and irritability alongside a decrease in blood pressure. Adherence to the physical activity program was facilitated by the commitment to attend the training sessions, different schedule options and the professional and individualized supervision. Participants referred to lack of motivation, absence of company, physical health limitations and difficulty in conciliating schedules as barriers to the maintenance of exercise training. Conclusions: The perceived benefits by the participants are important indicators of adherence and maintenance of exercise training, despite the perceived barriers. This study has an innovative approach by focusing on the participants’ perception analysis, going beyond quantitative clinical data, and providing important insights to increase future participants’ adherence to exercise training programs.