Ming Xu, Ting Xiao, Tao Wang* and Enhong Dong*
Objective: Aiming to clarify the effect of a Graded Brisk Walking Test (GBWT) program on blood pressure control in elderly patients with essential hypertension, and degree of intensity of this exercise program that is appropriate for the elder people.
Results: An ANOVA showed that there was no significant time main effect, condition main effect, or time by condition interaction both in HR and BMI indicators (all P>0.05).The ANOVA revealed significant condition main effects, time by condition interaction or time main effects in blood pressure (F=21.875,33.457,65.342, respectively, all P<0.05). After intervention, there also showed significant differences both in SBP and DBP values for two groups (all P<0.05), and average values of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group from baseline to the second phase (all P<0.05). Significant differences in the blood pressure values after the first two phases were also observed, compared with those before the intervention. Similarly, a significant difference in BP between the first phase and the second phase in the intervention group was also found. However, after the third phase (24 weeks, high-intensity exercise), no significant differences existed both in SBP and DBP values compared with those before the intervention (P=0.07).
