Changes in Blood Pressure and Dynamic Balance After Low Impact Aerobic Exercise in Older Women

Abstract

Background: Hypertension and impaired dynamic balance are common in older adults. This study evaluated changes following low-impact aerobic exercise, with findings interpreted cautiously due to the absence of a control group.
Objective: To evaluate changes in blood pressure and dynamic balance after a four-week low-impact aerobic exercise program in older women with a history of hypertension.
Methods: This pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest study included 20 women aged 60–75 years who completed 12 supervised sessions over four weeks. Each 30-minute session was conducted three times weekly. Blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer, and dynamic balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test. Pretest and posttest values were compared using paired-sample t tests.
Results: Systolic blood pressure decreased from 142.50 ± 17.733 to 124.70 ± 13.095 mmHg, while diastolic blood pressure decreased from 88.20 ± 9.423 to 77.90 ± 4.962 mmHg (both p < 0.001). Timed Up and Go time decreased from 16.07 ± 3.23 to 12.78 ± 3.24 seconds (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Blood pressure and Timed Up and Go time decreased after four weeks of low-impact aerobic exercise. These pretest-to-posttest changes do not establish a causal effect because the study lacked a control group and potential confounders were not fully documented.