Overview

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise promotion is one of the main global goals of innumerous health and medical societies for preventing and managing noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs), being one of the main therapeutic for the patient with hypertension. Exercise in heated swimming pool has emerged as a potential alternative to physical exercise on the ground for the reduction of blood pressure (BP) of hypertensive patients, however, its effects on BP, as well as hemodynamic, metabolic, inflammatory and functional variables of older individuals with hypertension have not been investigated.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of heated water-based exercise (HEx) versus land-based exercise (LEx) on BP, arterial stiffness, endothelial function, metabolic, inflammatory and functional variables of older individuals with hypertension.

METHODS: 60 older individuals (male and female) with hypertension (age > 60 years) will be randomized in 2:2:1 ratio to HEx, LEx or control (CON) intervention. The feasibility and physiological adaptations (physical capacity, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular responses to stress, biological and biochemical markers associated with the pathophysiology of the disease and vascular adaptations) will be assessed before, after 12 weeks and after 24 weeks of follow-up. HEx and LEx training programs will be performed three times per week and will be performed for the firs 12 weeks of follow-up.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• For the study population, the following will not be included in the study:
  • Smokers (avoiding acute effects of smoking on physiological measures);
  • Individuals with decompensated cardiovascular disease, thyroid dysfunction and / or inflammatory diseases;
  • Unable individuals to perform an exercise program or ergospirometric test due to physical or mental incapacity;
  • Individuals with hemodynamic and / or electrocardiographic changes during the ergospirometric test.
  • Only individuals older than 60 years, with a diagnosis of SAH for more than 6 months (stage 1 or 2), using antihypertensive medication (office BP less than 140/90 mmHg) and without medication change for at least 2 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• For the study population, individuals who have less than 60% adherence to scheduled physical exercise sessions will be excluded during the study.
• Individuals who change or discontinue their clinical and / or pharmacological treatment (with or without a prescription).