Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2026

Structured Exercise Regimen in Pulmonary Hypertension-Right Ventricular Failure in an Ovine Model
Published on: May 5, 2026
The effects of aerobic exercise training on resting blood pressure in hypertensive patients
M A Mughal1, I A Alvi, I A Akhund
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ziauddin Medical College University, Department of Medicine, Clifton, Karachi [corrected].
Objective:
To see the effects of aerobic exercise, on changes in blood pressure, in patients with essential hypertension. A 12-weeks aerobic exercise intervention trial was conducted, to examine the influence of brisk walking on resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, body weight and body mass index in patients with essential hypertension.
Subjects And Methods:
Twenty-seven men with stage 1 or 2 essential hypertension (not on antihypertensive medication) participated in the study. The aerobic exercise training protocol consisted of 30 minutes of brisk walking 3 to 5 times per week, at 50% of VO2max on an ergometer cycle. The data were analyzed by comparing exercise responses at baseline and 12-weeks.
Results:
Statistically significant decrease in resting systolic [mean +/- SEM, 143.2 +/- 1.4 to 137.5 +/- 1.2 mmHg, mean reduction -5.7 mmHg, p < 0.01] and diastolic [mean +/- SEM, 91.8 +/- 1.0 to 90.4 +/- 0.9 mmHg, the mean reduction -1.4 mmHg] blood pressure were found (p < 0.05). Reduced pulse pressure from baseline value of -3.7 mmHg, (p < 0.01) and mean arterial pressure of -3.4 mmHg (p < 0.01) was noted. No discernible effects on mean body mass index was observed although mean body weights decreased -1.1 kg, (p < 0.05). Brisk walking yielded significant increase in VO2max (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Aerobic exercise caused small reductions in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures in men with stage 1 or 2 essential hypertension. A lifestyle change such as exercising, may play a role in reducing the risk of hypertension.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...