Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
Walking and resting blood pressure in adults: a meta-analysis
G A Kelley1, K S Kelley, Z V Tran
1Meta-Analytic Research Group, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 101 Merrimac Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. gakelley@bics.bwh.harvard.edu
Background:
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of walking on resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults.
Methods:
A total of 24 primary outcomes from 16 studies and 650 subjects (410 exercise, 240 control) met the criteria for inclusion: (1) randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, (2) walking as the only intervention, (3) subjects apparently sedentary, (4) adult humans > or =18 years of age, (5) English-language studies published between January 1966 and December 1998, (6) resting blood pressure assessed, (7) training studies > or =4 weeks.
Results:
Using a random effects model, statistically significant decreases of approximately 2% were found for both resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (systolic, mean +/- SEM = -3 +/- 1 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval: -5 to -2 mm Hg; diastolic, mean +/- SEM = -2 +/- 1 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval: -3 to -1 mm Hg).
Conclusion:
Walking exercise programs reduce resting blood pressure in adults.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure

