Comparative effects of water- and land-based combined exercise training in hypertensive older adults

Objectives: A randomized controlled trial was designed to compare water- and land-based combined (aerobic and resistance) exercise training programs on cardiometabolic parameters, functional fitness, and quality-of-life (QoL) in hypertensive older adults. Methods: Fifty-three participants were divided into three groups: 1) land-based exercise group (LET, n = 17), 2) water-based exercise group (WET, n = 16), and 3) control group (CON, n = 20). All programs comprised of a 12-week supervised training program (three 1-hr sessions per week), followed by a 12-week self-supervised training program. Blood pressure (BP), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx-), malondialdehyde (MDA), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), blood lipids, functional fitness, and QoL were assessed before and after each period. Results: Following the supervised period, systolic BP, rate-pressure product, GPx, NOx-, MDA, hs-CRP concentrations, physical and psychological domains, and overall QoL significantly improved in both training groups. Only the WET improved LDL-C and lipoprotein combine index. Meanwhile, the 30s chair-stand test and 2-min step test improved only in the LET. Succeeding the self-supervised period, systolic BP and NOx- concentration significantly improved in both training groups. Notwithstanding, the 30s chair-standing and arm curl tests improved only in the LET. Conclusions: Both training programs rendered ameliorated systolic BP, antioxidant capacity and inflammation, muscular strength, aerobic endurance and QoL with a higher progression in the LET. Nevertheless, metabolic variables were greater improved in the WET. Additionally, due to greater exercise participation, the WET program may be a useful tool in motivating hypertensive older adults to continuously exercise on their own.