Ali H, Malik O, Iqbal H, Saleem S, Abbas A, Ahsen N.
Effect of physical activity on borderline hypertension.
Biomedica Jan ;31(2):132-6.

Background and Objectives: Hypertension is key contributor to the current pandemic of cardiovascular diseases. This randomized control trial compared decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the study and control groups in response to a lifestyle intervention in borderline hypertensives. The intervention was carried out for the period of three months. Methodology: A total of 102 adult participants were included with borderline hypertension (B.P between 120/80 to 139/89 mmHg) in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were randomized into study and control groups. The study group was provided with 30 minutes daily exercise advice (both written and verbal) with regular monthly follow-ups from May to December 2013. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood pressures were recorded by Sphygmomanometer. Data were analysed using SPSS v.17. Chi-square test of significance was applied for comparison of proportions and t test for comparison of means. Relative Risks and Confidence Intervals were generated. Results: Out of 51 participants in study group, a total of 25 (49.0%) showed a reduction in their systolic blood pressure (P = 0.0002) and 23 (45.0%) showed a reduction in their diastolic blood pressures (P = 0.0001) after a three months physical activity intervention, as compared to only 08 (15.6%) and 06 (11.7%) out of 51 in the control group. Reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures was found to be significant in study group at P < 0.05. Reduction in post intervention mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures was found to be statistically significant in study group (t-test) that is > 5 mmHg at P < 0.01. Where as no such reduction in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures was seen in control group at the start and end of three month period. Conclusions: Physical activity can lower borderline hypertension. Reducing blood pressure can prevent the excess risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with borderline hypertension. However a study on a large sample size is required to generalize results for wider community. Also a three month period for physical activity is not predictive of change in lifestyle behaviors. The effect of intervention should have been evaluated after six months and one year intervals to measure long term outcomes.

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