The Metabolic Syndrome and the immediate antihypertensive effects of aerobic exercise: a randomized control design
2008

Aerobic Exercise and Blood Pressure in Men with Metabolic Syndrome

Sample size: 46 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Pescatello Linda S, Blanchard Bruce E, Van Heest Jaci L, Maresh Carl M, Gordish-Dressman Heather, Thompson Paul D

Primary Institution: Department of Kinesiology, University of CT

Hypothesis

Men with pre- to Stage 1 hypertension and the metabolic syndrome will show greater post-exercise hypotension than those without the syndrome.

Conclusion

Men without the metabolic syndrome experience greater reductions in blood pressure after lower intensity aerobic exercise compared to those with the syndrome.

Supporting Evidence

  • Men without metabolic syndrome had a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure after light exercise.
  • Men with metabolic syndrome did not show significant blood pressure changes after exercise.
  • Insulin sensitivity was higher in men without metabolic syndrome.

Takeaway

This study found that men who don't have metabolic syndrome lower their blood pressure more after light exercise than those who do have it.

Methodology

The study involved 46 men with pre- to Stage 1 hypertension who completed three randomized experiments: a non-exercise control and two exercise sessions at different intensities.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported dietary compliance and exclusion of certain medications prior to testing.

Limitations

Insulin and glucose were only measured in the lab, not under normal conditions, and dietary compliance relied on self-report.

Participant Demographics

46 overweight, middle-aged Caucasian men with pre- to Stage 1 hypertension.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.05 for SBP after LIGHT exercise

Confidence Interval

(9.0, 15.8) for SBP change after LIGHT

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2261-8-12

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