Physical training in outdoor fitness gym improves blood pressure, physical fitness, and quality of life of hypertensive patients: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. In addition to drug treatment, exercise is an important non-drug resource for the control of hypertension in function by hypotension post exercise. The study evaluated the effects of two physical exercise programs in outdoor fitness gym (OFG).METHODS: Twenty-nine hypertensive adults were randomized to one of two physical training groups, utilizing a circuit (CTG) (N.=10) or sets (STG) (N.=10), or a control group (CG) (N.=9). The CTG and STG performed 16-week of physical exercise, at OFG. The CG did not participate in a physical exercise program. After 16-weeks, all participants were evaluated of anthropometric measurements, physical fitness (6-Minute Walk Test; Sit-to-Stand; Sit-and-Reach); systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP); and quality of life (Short-Form 36).RESULTS: There was reduction of neck and hip circumference in CTG; Body Mass Index and body mass in STG. Physical fitness increased in STG and CTG. Greater flexibility was observed in STG compared to CG (P=0.042) and CTG (P=0.037). SBP and DBP decreased in CTG and STG. Reduction in DBP was more effective in STG compared to CTG (P=0.031). Quality of life improved in total score in CTG (P=0.021); and in mental control in STG, compared to CTG (P=0.036).CONCLUSIONS: Both interventions improved physical fitness, blood pressure, and quality of life, suggesting that physical training in OFG can promote health in adults with hypertension.