Effect of core stabilization exercises on antioxidant/oxidant levels in hypertensives

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of core stabilization exercises delivered through telerehabilitation on blood pressure, quality of life, and levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index in hypertensive patients.

We recruited 58 individuals diagnosed with hypertension and randomized 29 patients to the core stabilization exercise group and 29 patients to the control group. Patients in the exercise group performed core stabilization exercises under supervision of a physiotherapist by telerehabilitation. The measurements of asymmetric dimethylarginine, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, ambulatory blood pressure, and questionnaires were evaluated before and after the 12-week training.

Compared to the basal levels, total antioxidant status (1.848±0.207 vs. 1.861±0.198; p=0.784), total oxidant status (17.872±5.552 vs. 19.288±5.516; p=0.165), oxidative stress index (9.770±3.073 vs. 10.450±3.113; p=0.252), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (825.2±165.1 vs. 817.4±161.6; p=0.718) did not differ after the 12 weeks in control group. After 12-week training, total antioxidant status (1.814±0.232 vs. 1.936±0.294; p=0.010), total oxidant status (17.798±6.799 vs. 15.492±4.157; p=0.022), oxidative stress index (9.888±3.683 vs. 8.099±2.107; p=0.009), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (848.6±143.7 vs. 807.1±127.3; p=0.010) were improved in exercise group compared to basal levels. Quality of life, anxiety, and fatigue severity levels did not differ in both groups after 12 weeks. The sleep quality was slightly improved in both groups after 12 weeks (exercise group: 8.2±2.9 vs. 7.2±2.5; p>0.001 and control group: 8.6±4.2 vs. 7.6±3.9; p=0.007).

Core stabilization exercises may improve oxidative balance and endothelial function in patients with hypertension.