Effect of aquatic exercise on blood pressure in hypertensive women: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to review the literature on the effects of aquatic exercise on blood pressure in hypertensive women aged 50 years or older. Methods: A systematic review using the database: LILACS, SCIELO and PEDRO, considering publications of clinical articles of the last 12 years, articles that were published in the period from 2004 to 2016. Using the descriptors: “hypertension and hydrotherapy”, “hypertension and exercise”, “hypertension and immersion”, “blood pressure and hydrotherapy”, “ blood pressure and immersion”. Results: Eleven studies on hydrotherapy, aquatic exercise in hypertensive women over 50 years were selected. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) before and after the intervention was 136±16mmHg and 124±15mmHg, respectively, before and after the intervention, the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 73 ±3mmHg and 68±3mmHg respectively. Conclusion: Aerobic aquatic exercises process caused a significant decrease in blood pressure in hypertensive patients.