Effects of Long‐Term Regular Continuous and Intermittent Walking on Oxidative Stress, Metabolic Profile, Heart Rate Variability, and Blood Pressure in Older Adults with Hypertension

Abstract

It is documented that regular exercise is beneficial for improving the antioxidant system, metabolic system, cardiac autonomic function, and blood pressure in those with hypertension. In this regard, low-intensity exercise is recommended for older adults, particularly those with chronic diseases. This study aimed to compare the effects of long-term regular continuous walking with intermittent walking on oxidative stress, metabolic profile, heart rate variability, and blood pressure in older adults with hypertension. Forty-three participants with hypertension aged 60–80 years were randomly divided into the continuous or intermittent walking (CON or INT) groups. Participants in the CON group walked for 30 min, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Participants in the INT group split 30 min walking into 3 identical sessions punctuated by a 1 min rest after each session, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Antioxidant and oxidative stress markers, metabolic markers, heart rate variability, and blood pressure were evaluated before and after the exercise program. Glutathione (GSH), GSH to GSH disulfide (GSSG) ratio, and total GSH increased significantly, and GSSG and malondialdehyde decreased significantly in both groups ( p < 0.05 ) without significant differences between groups. Triglycerides, ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and atherosclerogenic index were significantly lower in the CON group than those in the INT group ( p < 0.05 ). The standard deviation of the NN intervals and root mean square of the successive differences were significantly higher, and low-frequency power was significantly lower in the INT group than that in the CON group ( p < 0.05 ). No significant changes in blood pressure were noted in both groups, and nor were there any significant differences between groups. Long-term regular continuous and intermittent walking may comparably increase antioxidants, reduce oxidative stress, and be beneficial for improving important blood pressure-related outcomes, including metabolic profile or cardiac autonomic function in older adults with hypertension.

The Impact of Exercise on Redox Equilibrium in Cardiovascular Diseases

“…The differences between the groups, however, were statistically insignificant with the exception of some clinical parameters (the triglycerides concentration, the ratio of the total cholesterol to HDL and the atherosclerogenic index were lower in the group walking continuously; p < 0.05). Thus, the study confirmed the advantageous influence of long-term and regular aerobic exercise of a low intensity on redox equilibrium in the venous blood of hypertensive subjects [ 99 ]. Tsarouhas et al, however, determined the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the serum of 20 males and 7 females (66.8 ± 13.1 years) with CHF subjected to effort, and 9 males and 3 females (67.0 ± 5.6 years) with the same disease without introducing a training program.…”

“…CVDs are commonly characterized by glucose metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress and inflammation, whilst PA is known to improve redox status, insulin sensitivity and endothelial function [ 100 ]. The effects of PA on oxidant–antioxidant equilibrium can be ambiguous and depend on the duration and intensity of exercise; however, in general, they are positive [ 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 ] ( Table 1 ). Physical exercise of different intensities (usually of moderate or of low intensity, and long term) is already widely recommended as an aid in the prevention and treatment of CVDs.…”

Effects of physical exercise associated with a diet enriched with natural antioxidants on cerebral hypoperfusion and reperfusion injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats

“…It is known that regular physical exercise is a beneficial factor in the treatment of increased arterial blood pressure in human hypertension ( Prasertsri et al, 2022 ), and human and experimental arterial hypertension are related to oxidative stress. Moreover, in a previous study, it was observed that physical exercise ameliorates the oxidative stress in SHRs treated with a high fat- or fructose-enriched diet ( Szabó et al, 2021 ).…”

Lowering blood pressure by exercise: investigating the effect of sweating

“…The RAS is involved in redirecting blood flow to the working muscles, ensuring adequate oxygen and nutrient supply. While the vasoconstrictive effects of angiotensin II, a key molecule in the RAS, may initially seem counterproductive during exercise, it is crucial to consider the overall picture [90]. The RAS activation leads to increased blood flow to the active muscles, allowing for efficient oxygen and nutrient delivery.…”