İlknur Albayrak

and 5 more

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a supervised aerobic exercise training program on weight loss, functional capacity, quality of life(QoL) and depression level in patients with essential hypertension. Methods: This is a prospective study. Patients who chose the treatment type according to personal preferences were divided into two groups: Group 1(n:91) exercised for six weeks, five sessions per week under the supervision of a medical doctor in the aerobic exercise laboratory and group 2(n:47) declared to perform a walking in the free time, at least twice a week, but without supervision. Body weight, serum lipid levels, functional capacity, QoL, and depression level of all the participants were evaluated at the pre-treatment period and the post-treatment 6th week. Results: When the two groups were compared, a significant increase in the six-minute walk test(6MWT) distance and SF-36 subscales of physical function, role physical, physical component summary, vitality, role emotional and mental component summary in Group 1 at the post-treatment 6th week was found in Group 1. There was a significant reduction in the resting systolic blood pressure(SBP), weight, body mass index and Beck Depression Inventory scores between pre-treatment and post-treatment 6th week in Group 1. There was a significant increase in the METs, 6MWT, SF-36 subscales of physical function, role physical, physical component summary, vitality, role emotional and mental component summary scores between pre-treatment and post-treatment 6th week in Group 1. Conclusion: Supervised aerobic exercise training of 6 weeks duration is more effective than unsupervised aerobic exercise training for the functional capacity and QoL in patients with hypertension. Supervised aerobic exercise as antihypertensive lifestyle therapy should be recommended for patient compliance, absence of adverse incidents, and its positive impact on resting SBP, weight, functional capacity, QoL, and depression level in patients with hypertension.