Effects Of Aerobic Exercise In Hypertension Conditions On Working Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects approximately 1.13 billion people worldwide and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The adult working population is particularly vulnerable due to factors such as stress and sedentary behavior, necessitating effective management strategies. Among non-pharmacological approaches, aerobic exercise has emerged as a promising intervention due to its accessibility and wide range of health benefits.

Objective: This pilot study aims to evaluate the impact of a structured aerobic exercise program on blood pressure and cardiovascular health in working adults with hypertension, assessing its feasibility and adherence in a real-world occupational setting.

Methods: A total of 40 participants (20 males, 20 females) aged 30-45 years with mild to moderate hypertension were enrolled and randomly assigned to an aerobic exercise group or a control group. The intervention group participated in a supervised aerobic exercise program three times weekly for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while secondary outcomes included changes in body mass index (BMI), heart rate, and physical activity levels. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The aerobic exercise group showed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mean reductions of 13.1 mm Hg and 7.8 mm Hg, respectively; p < 0.001), compared to the control group, which showed minimal changes. The exercise group also demonstrated significant improvements in BMI, heart rate, and physical activity levels. High adherence rates (80%) in the exercise group and positive feedback suggest the intervention's feasibility and acceptability among working adults.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that aerobic exercise is an effective strategy for reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health in working adults with hypertension. The study supports incorporating aerobic exercise into hypertension management guidelines and highlights the need for larger-scale studies to confirm these findings.