The effects of swimming training on arterial stiffness, muscular strength and cardiorespiratory endurance in postmenopausal women with stage 2 hypertension

Criss Library

Objective:

Aging is associated with progressive decreases in arterial health and function as well as overall fitness. It is crucial to prevent or reduce the negative effects of aging on vasculature and fitness components by implementing appropriate lifestyle interventions, such as exercise training. We examined the effects of a swimming (SWM) regimen on arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV), blood pressure (BP), wave reflection (AIx), muscle strength and aerobic capacity in postmenopausal women with stage 2 hypertension.

Methods:

Using a parallel experimental design, participants were randomly assigned to either a SWM (n=52) or non-exercising control group (n=48) for 20 weeks. Participants in the SWM group trained 3-4 days/week, progressing in duration from 25 to 45 min. Participants’ carotid to radial PWV (crPWV), BP, AIx, muscular strength and cardiorespiratory capacity were measured at baseline and after 20 weeks of their assigned intervention.

Results:

There was a significant group x time interaction (P<0.05) for crPWV, AIx, and systolic and diastolic BP, which significantly decreased (P<0.05); and strength and cardiorespiratory capacity, which significantly increased (P<0.05) following SWM compared to no changes in control.

Conclusions:

SWM led to reductions in arterial stiffness, wave reflection and BP while increasing strength and aerobic capacity in postmenopausal women with stage 2 hypertension. SWM may be an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of age-related vascular complications as well as declines in muscle strength and cardiorespiratory capacity.