Comparing Heated Water and Land-Based Exercise Effects on Blood Pressure and Physical Health in Older Adults with Hypertension

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effects of heated water-based exercise compared to land-based exercise on blood pressure and various health measures in older adults with hypertension. This study focuses on individuals over 60 years old with hypertension, aiming to assess how these exercise types impact arterial stiffness, endothelial function, metabolic and inflammatory markers, and functional capacity. The goal is to understand if exercising in a heated swimming pool offers unique benefits over traditional land exercises for managing hypertension and related health factors. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups heated water-based exercise HEx, land-based exercise LEx, or a control group that maintains usual physical activity without starting new exercise programs. Both exercise groups will train three times a week for 12 weeks. HEx sessions include warm-up, aerobic exercise, resisted exercises targeting various muscle groups, and stretching, all performed in a heated pool. LEx sessions follow a similar structure but use treadmills, exercise bikes, fitness machines, and free weights on land. The control group receives guidance to maintain their usual activity levels. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments at the start, after 12 weeks, and after 24 weeks. These evaluations include blood pressure measurements, arterial stiffness, vascular function tests, exercise capacity assessments, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance tests. Researchers will monitor adherence to exercise sessions and track any changes in medication or health status. The study aims to provide detailed insight into the physiological and functional effects of these exercise programs in older adults with hypertension.

Effect of Heated Water-Based Versus Land-Based Exercise Training on Hemodynamic Variables, Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Older Hypertensive