Effect of interval training programme on pulse pressure in the management of hypertension: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Pulse pressure (PP), might be a stronger determinants of cardiovascular risk.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of interval training program on PP in subjects with hypertension.


METHODS
Two hundred and forty five male patients with mild to moderate (Systolic Blood Pressure [SBP] between 140-179 & Diastolic Blood Pressure [DBP] between 90-109 mmHg) essential hypertension were age-matched and grouped into exercise and control groups. The exercise (work: rest ratio of 1:1) groups involved in an 8-weeks interval training programs of between 45-60 minutes, at intensities of 60-79% of HR max (maximum heart rate), while the control group remained sedentary during this period. SBP, DBP, VO2max and PP were assessed.


RESULTS
Findings of the study revealed significant correlation between PP and blood pressure; correlation of PP with SBP was much stronger (95% variance). Also, there was significant effect of the exercise training program on SBP, DBP and PP. Changes in VO2max also negatively correlated with changes in PP (r= -.285) at p<0.05.


CONCLUSION
Moderate intensity interval training programs is effective in the non-pharmacological management of hypertension and may prevent cardiovascular event through the down regulation of PP in hypertension.