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Exercise Prescription for the Prevention and Management of Hypertension

Exercise Science and Sport Studies Department, Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts, kgoodwin{at}spfldcol.edu

Samuel A. E. Headley, PhD, FACSM, RCEP

Exercise Science and Sport Studies Department, Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts

Linda S. Pescatello, PhD, FACSM

Department of Kinesiology & Human Performance Laboratory, Neag School of Education, Storrs, Connecticut

Regular physical activity is known to reduce blood pressure in 75% of individuals with hypertension and is a key component of lifestyle therapy for the prevention and management of hypertension. However, the frequency, intensity, duration, and mode of activity play a role in the magnitude and duration of blood pressure reduction. Aerobic activity is the preferred type of activity to lower blood pressure. Acute, moderate-intensity aerobic activity (40%-60% VO_2max ) can decrease blood pressure by 5 to 7 mm Hg for up to 22 hours postexercise, so participation in aerobic activity is recommended on most, if not all, days of the week. The recommended duration for aerobic activity is 30 to 60 minutes of continuous or intermittent activity. Resistance activity results in a 3-mm Hg decrease in blood pressure and should supplement the aerobic activity. Low- to moderate-intensity resistance training (30%-40% of a 1—repetition maximum [1RM] for upper body exercises and 50%-60% 1RM for lower body exercises) is recommended 2 to 3 d/wk. The volume of resistance training for blood pressure reduction is 1 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions for 8 to 10 exercises that target large muscle groups (thighs, hips, back, chest, arms, and abdominals). When prescribing physical activity for the prevention or management of hypertension, it is important to know that certain populations respond differently to activity and that certain medications can inhibit physical performance.

Key Words: hypertension • management • prevention • physical activity

This version was published on November 1, 2009

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Vol. 3, No. 6, 446-449 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1559827609344807


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