Effects of interval exercise training programme on the indices of adiposity and biomarker of inflammation in hypertension: a randomised controlled trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertension remains a significant risk factor in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks interval training programme on blood pressure, aerobic capacity (VO max), indices of adiposity and marker of inflammation in black African men with essential hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty five (245) male subjects with stage 1 and 2 (systolic blood pressure [SBP] between 140-179 & diastolic blood pressure [DBP] between 90-109 mmHg) essential hypertension were age matched and grouped into experimental and control groups. The experimental (n=140; 58.90 ± 7.35 years) group involved in an 8 weeks interval training (60-79% HRmax) programme of between 45 and 60 minutes, while age-matched control hypertensive (n=105; 58.27±6.24 years) group remain sedentary during this period. All subjects in both groups were on antihypertensive drugs throughout the study period. Cardiovascular parameters (SBP, DBP) & VO max and percent body fat [%BF], waist to hip ratio [WHR] and C-reactive protein [CRP] were assessed. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation test were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Findings of the study revealed significant decreased effects of interval training programme on SBP, DBP, %BF, WHR and CRP and significant increased effect on VO max at p< 0.05. Also, changes in CRP as a result of exercise training significantly and positively correlated with changes in SBP, DBP, %BF, WHR, CRP and negatively correlated with VO max at p< 0.05.

Effect of interval training program on white blood cell count in the management of hypertension: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is considered to be prospectively and positively associated with cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension. Also, the positive role of exercise in the management of hypertension has been well and long established. However the relationship between WBC count and hypertensive management particularly in the nonpharmacological technique is ambiguous and unclear. Therefore the purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of interval training program on WBC count and cardiovascular parameters in male hypertensive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 245 male patients with mild to moderate (systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 140 mmHg and 179 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 90 mmHg and 109 mmHg) essential hypertension were age matched and grouped into experimental and control groups. The experimental (n=140; 58.90±7.35 years) group involved in an 8-week interval training (60-79% HR max reserve) program of between 45 minutes to 60 minutes, while the age-matched controls hypertensive (n=105; 58.27±6.24 years) group remain sedentary during this period. Cardiovascular parameters (SBP, DBP, and VO(2) max) and WBC count were assessed. Student's t and Pearson correlation tests were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Findings of the study revealed a significant effect of the interval training program on VO2max, SBP, and DBP and WBC count at P<0.05 and VO2max is negatively related to the WBC count (r=-0.339) at P<0.01. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the interval training program is an effective adjunct nonpharmacological management of hypertension and the therapeutic effect of exercise programs may be mediated through suppression of inflammatory (WBC count) reaction.

Effect of low intensity continuous training programme on serum uric acid in the non pharmacological management of hypertension: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) is considered to be positively associated with cardiovascular event risk factor in hypertension. Also, the positive role of exercise in the management of Hypertension has been well and long established. However the relationship between SUA level and hypertensive management particularly in non pharmacological technique is ambiguous and unclear. Therefore the purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of continuous low intensity training programme on SUA level and cardiovascular parameters in male subjects with hypertension. METHOD: Two hundred andseventeen male patients with mild to moderate (systolic blood pressure [SBP] between 140-180 & diastolic blood pressure [DBP] between 90-109 mmHg) essential hypertension were age matched and grouped into continuous and control groups. The continuous (n=112; 58.63 +/- 7.22 years) group involved in on 8 weeks interval training (35-9% HR max reserve) programme of between 45 minutes to 60 minutes, while age-matched controls hypertensive (n=105; 58.27 +/- 6.24 years) group remain sedentary during this period. Cardiovascular parameters (SBP, DBP & VO2max) and SUA were assessed. Students' t and Pearson correlation tests were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Findings of the study revealed significant effect of interval training programme on VO2 max, SBP, and DBP and SUA concentration at p < 0.05 and changes in VO2max negatively correlated with SUA (r = -.266) at p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: it was concluded that low intensity continuous training programme is an effective nonpharmacological management and may prevent cardiovascular event through the down regulation ofSUA in hypertension.