Hypotensive Effects of Aquatic Exercise Training in Older Adults

Although regular exercise can help reduce blood pressure (BP), older adults often struggle with adhering to land-based exercise due to barriers such as arthritis pain, functional limitations, and fear of falling. Aquatic exercise is a good alternative mode of exercise that may reduce barriers and improve adherence. However, limited evidence is available on the effectiveness of aquatic exercise in reducing BP in older adults with isolated systolic hypertension. This study aimed to determine the effects of an 8-week aquatic exercise program on arterial BP in older adults.

Twenty-five participants were randomized to a control (n = 12, 81 ± 8 years) or aquatic exercise group (n = 13, 83 ± 7 years). The exercise group received aquatic cognitive-motor training at a moderate-intensity for 45 minutes per session three times per week for 8 weeks. The non-exercising control group received a 1-hour fall prevention seminar and was asked to maintain their normal physical activity level.

Baseline characteristics were not different between the groups. After 8 weeks, the exercise group had reductions in systolic BP (135 ± 11 vs. 126 ± 13 mm Hg, P < 0.01) and pulse pressure (PP) (68 ± 8 vs. 60 ± 8 mm Hg, P < 0.01) without significant change in diastolic BP. There were no significant changes in the control group.

Aquatic cognitive-motor training performed at a moderate-intensity was effective in inducing clinically meaningful reductions in systolic BP and PP in older adults.