Comparison of Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Training on Primary Hemodynamic Parameters in Stage 1 Hypertension— A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a growing public health problem and a
major cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. In India, the
prevalence of Stage 1 hypertension is rising due to sedentary lifestyle
habits and reduced physical activity. Exercise therapy is widely
recommended as a non-pharmacological approach for blood pressure
management. However, limited evidence is available comparing
aerobic and anaerobic exercise in individuals with Stage 1
hypertension.
Objective: The study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and
anaerobic exercise training on blood pressure and cardiovascular
parameters in individuals with Stage 1 hypertension.It also evaluated
which exercise modality produced greater improvement in systolic
blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate after an
8-week intervention program.
Discussion: Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise interventions
improved cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive individuals. The
anaerobic resistance training group demonstrated greater reductions in
systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate
compared to the aerobic and conventional exercise groups. These
findings may be associated with improved vascular function,
autonomic regulation, and muscular efficiency produced by resistance
training.
Conclusion: Both exercise programs were effective in managing Stage
1 hypertension however, anaerobic resistance exercise showed superior
cardiovascular benefits. Incorporating moderate-intensity resistance
training into rehabilitation programs may improve blood pressure
control and help reduce future cardiovascular risk in hypertensive
individuals.