Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Aerobic Training on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the effect of different aerobic training methods and exercise duration on blood pressure in hypertensive patients, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). METHODS: Using the literature review method, the English database PubMed was retrieved to obtain relevant research literature, and the selected studies were analyzed and evaluated. RESULTS: 14 clinical studies were included in this study, with a total of 1027 patients, including 681 in the aerobic training group and 409 in the control group. Based on heterogeneity test results, the differences of SBP and DBP before and after the physical intervention were combined using a random effect model. The results indicated that the aerobic training group could significantly reduce SBP compared with the control group, WMD = −9.91, 95% CI (-14.21, -5.61), P < 0.0001. The DBP was reduced significantly in the aerobic training group, WMD = −4.32, 95% CI (- 7.02, -1.62), P < 0.001. The results of subgroup analysis showed that both progressive training and nonprogressive training could reduce blood pressure in patients, and training time less than 12 weeks and more than 12 weeks could reduce blood pressure in patients. CONCLUSION: Implementing aerobic training can effectively reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Progressive training, nonprogressive training, and different training cycles can all benefit hypertensive patients.