Effects Of Aerobic Exercise In Hypertension Conditions On Working Adults:-A Research Article

Abstract

Background: Hypertension remains a major global health issue, contributing significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Working adults are particularly susceptible due to sedentary lifestyles, stress, and time constraints. While pharmacological interventions are common, non-pharmacological strategies such as aerobic exercise have gained attention for their effectiveness in blood pressure management.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured aerobic exercise program on blood pressure and related health markers among hypertensive working adults, and to assess the intervention’s feasibility and acceptability in a real-world occupational setting.

Methods: A total of 102 hypertensive working adults aged 30–45 years were enrolled and randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise group (n=51) or a control group (n=51). The intervention group participated in supervised moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (brisk walking, jogging, or cycling) for 40–45 minutes, three times per week, over eight weeks. Baseline and post-intervention measurements included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), resting heart rate, physical activity levels (METs/week), 6-minute walk distance, quality of life (SF-36), waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, and cholesterol levels.

Results: After 8 weeks, the aerobic exercise group showed significant reductions in systolic (−10.1 ± 3.4 mm Hg, p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (−6.1 ± 2.2 mm Hg, p<0.001), BMI (−0.9 ± 0.5 kg/m², p=0.003), and resting heart rate (−6.4 ± 2.7 bpm, p=0.001). Physical activity levels increased substantially (+14.1 ± 4.9 METs/week, p<0.001), along with notable improvements in quality of life and aerobic capacity. Metabolic parameters such as fasting blood glucose (−5.3 ± 2.2 mg/dL, p<0.001) and total cholesterol (−8.4 ± 3.9 mg/dL, p<0.001) also improved significantly. The control group showed no statistically significant changes.

Conclusion: A structured aerobic exercise regimen effectively improved cardiovascular, metabolic, and quality-of-life parameters among hypertensive working adults. The intervention was well-tolerated and feasible for implementation in workplace wellness programs. These findings underscore the importance of integrating regular physical activity into hypertension management strategies for working populations.