Eficácia de um programa de exercício físico na redução da pressão arterial em adultos hipertensos

Abstract

Hypertension is considered a public health problem that can cause serious damages to the body. Many studies show the benefits from physical activity in the treatment of hypertension and many times this conduct is adopted as a treatment choice with patients. With this in mind, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effects from a physical activity program during three months in adults registered on the program for hypertensives in the public health care system. The research was conducted from april to august of 2012 in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A single-subject design study was conducted with three phases (baseline, intervention and follow-up) Three female patients with an average age of 53,3±3,5 years and with the clinical diagnosis of hypertension were part of this study. The evaluations were taken on regular time intervals, by measuring the blood pressure, heart rate and application of the quality of life related to health questionnaire - Mini-cuestionario de calidad de vida en hipertensión arterial (MINICHAL), in the version validated for Brazil. On the intervention phase, the participant underwent a program of aerobic and strength exercise during 4 weeks with a frequency of three times per week and duration of 60 minutes per session. The statistical methods used were the visual analysis in association with C statistics, splitmiddle line and celeration line. A significant decrease of the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and scores from the quality of life questionnaire was observed in all three participants. The heart rate, for two patients were not statistically significant. These findings are consistent with other studies found on literature, which used similar treatment protocols for hypertensive patients under pharmacological treatment. In conclusion, the participants evaluated presented a significant improvement on the target variables, which are consistent with other findings of the scientific community and possibly indicate that physical exercise can effectively act as an aid on the treatment of hypertension or as a sole treatment therapy as well.