Effects of aquatic exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure in hypertensive women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of an aquatic exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure in hypertensive women. Ten hypertensive women took part in the study. The program consisted of aquatic aerobic, strengthening, and stretching exercises in intensity near the anaerobic threshold, besides relaxation, twice a week during 7 weeks, totalling 14 sessions. They were assessed by cardiorespiratory exercise testing before and after program development. Blood pressure was measured at rest before and at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after exercise, at the end of each session. After the hydrotherapy program, cardiorespiratory ranges did not show significant changes, neither at the anaerobic threshold nor at the effort peak. Systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean (MBP) blood pressure at rest remained stable all through the program. However, SBP and MBP levels at 30-minute rest after exercises, at the end of the program, were significantly lower when compared to pre-exercise ones: there was a mean 6,43 mmHg SBP decrease and a 3,08 mmHg MBP decrease. The hydrotherapy program thus did not promote effective aerobic increase, but results suggest that the proposed exercises, performed at near-anaerobic threshold, may reduce post-exercise SBP and MBP levels in hypertensive women.