Effectiveness of combined exercise training for hypertension management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION

hypertension is a leading global health issue with poor control despite pharmacological treatments. Combined exercise is a promising non-pharmacological strategy. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined aerobic and resistance training in reducing blood pressure (BP) among adults with hypertension.

METHODS

a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and Google Scholar to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving hypertensive adults undergoing combined exercise (CE) interventions. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

we included five RCTs in this study, four RCTs with a pooled population of 154 participants showed a significant reduction in systolic BP (SBP) favoring combined exercise (MD = -8.26 mmHg; 95% CI [-13.92, -2.61]; I2= 54.8%). Five studies including 182 participants demonstrated a significant decrease in diastolic BP (DBP) (MD = -5.87 mmHg; 95% CI [-7.91, -3.83]; I2= 0%). However, for mean arterial pressure (MAP), based on three RCTs the meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between the CE and control groups (MD=-1.03mmHg;95% CI [-6.36,4.30]; I2=15%).

CONCLUSION

our findings suggest that combined exercise may serve as an effective complementary intervention to reduce both SBP and DBP in adults with hypertension.