Aerobic and Combined Exercise Best for Lowering High Blood Pressure, Study Finds

A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has examined how different types of exercise affect blood pressure in adults with hypertension. The research used 24-hour ambulatory monitoring to assess real-world impacts of various training methods. Findings highlight the benefits of aerobic and combined exercise for managing high blood pressure. The network meta-analysis compared multiple exercise modalities and their effects on 24-hour blood pressure. Aerobic training was found to lower systolic blood pressure by an average of 4.73 mm Hg and diastolic by 2.76 mm Hg. It also proved most effective for reducing blood pressure during both day and night in hypertensive adults.

Combined aerobic and resistance training achieved the greatest reduction in systolic blood pressure, averaging 6.18 mm Hg over 24 hours. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) also showed strong results, cutting systolic pressure by 5.71 mm Hg. Meanwhile, Pilates reduced diastolic blood pressure by 4.18 mm Hg, though the evidence was deemed insufficient for firm clinical advice.

Aerobic exercise improves endothelial function and promotes sustained vasodilation. This process reduces total peripheral resistance, helping to lower blood pressure. The study also noted that ambulatory monitoring offers a clearer picture of how exercise influences blood pressure in daily life. The analysis confirms aerobic and combined exercise as leading strategies for combating hypertension. It suggests future studies should explore combined and interval training further, with standardised measures and long-term adherence tracking. These findings could help shape more effective exercise-based treatments for high blood pressure.