A Systematic Review Of Effectiveness Of Physical Activity In The Prevention Of Hypertension

Abstract

Background: While numerous individual studies have investigated the impact of physical activity on blood pressure, a comprehensive synthesis of existing evidence is crucial for drawing more robust conclusions and informing clinical and public health guidelines. This systematic review aims to provide a thorough examination of the effectiveness of physical activity in preventing hypertension.

Methodology: A systematic and comprehensive search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies for this review. A total of 12,046 articles were i[1]nitially identified through searches of databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 2023. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using a standardized form, encompassing study characteristics, participant details, intervention specifics, and relevant outcomes.

Results: We identified a total of 12,046 articles through our comprehensive searches. Following a meticulous screening process, 17 articles were deemed suitable for inclusion in this review. The meta-analysis revealed that moderate-intensity Leisure-Time Physical Activities (LTPA) of various types led to a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) when compared to the non-intervention control group. The mean difference (MD) was -5.4 mm Hg, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of -8.1 to -2.7 (P = 0.0001, I2 = 87.9%, nine trials, n = 531)

Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that engaging in moderate-intensity leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) may lead to a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among individuals with hypertension.