Analysis of aerobic exercise influence on intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma: A randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE: To investigate the change pattern of ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) and intra-ocular pressure (IOP) after short-term and long-term aerobic exercise. METHODS: In this prospective, single-masked, randomized clinical trial, 123 patients with a primary open angle glaucoma that locally used prostaglandin analog alone were randomly divided into the exercise and control groups. In the short-term study, all individuals underwent a cycling exercise at moderate intensity (20% Wmax for 10 minutes) and high intensity (60% Wmax for 5 minutes). During the long-term study, the exercise group is characterized by regular jogging exercise lasting for 30 minutes during 6: 00–10: 00 in the morning for 3 months, with the exercise frequency of at least 20 times per month, and with the intensity reflected by the target heart rate. The control group is designed as a group with irregular exercise. RESULTS: After short-term aerobic exercise, IOP significantly decreased, whereas the ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) significantly increased. The decreasing amplitude of IOP is related to the baseline of IOP, the intensity of exercise, gender, and so on. After 3 months of long-term exercise, the changes in the IOP level of the exercise group indicated a decreasing trend. CONCLUSION: The significant decrement of IOP and the increment of OPP suggest that aerobic exercise is beneficial for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and appropriate aerobic exercise is appropriate in treating glaucoma patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR, ChiCTR-TRC-10001055. Registered one October 2010-Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj = 8483