High-intensity interval versus moderate continuous heated water exercise for older adults with high blood pressure

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Heated Water-Based Exercise on Blood Pressure and Hemodynamic Variables in Older Individuals With Hypertension

This project will test whether high-intensity interval or moderate continuous heated water exercise better lowers blood pressure and improves heart and blood vessel function in people aged 60 and older with hypertension.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 60 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Bauru, São Paulo)
• Trial ID: NCT04126785 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional program compares the immediate and 12-week effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), both performed in heated water, on hemodynamic and autonomic measures in older adults with hypertension. Sixty participants who are at least 60 years old, on stable antihypertensive medication, and with office blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg will be assigned to a HIIT group, a MICE group, or a control group and will complete acute session testing and a supervised 12-week training period. Key outcomes include blood pressure, endothelial function, and heart rate variability measured at rest, after acute sessions, and after the training period. All supervised sessions take place at São Paulo State University (Bauru, São Paulo) using heated pool protocols to facilitate exercise adherence in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 or older with diagnosed stage 1–2 hypertension on stable antihypertensive medication for at least three months, with office BP below 140/90 mmHg, who can safely participate in heated pool exercise and complete the full program.

Not a fit: People with uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, active smoking, significant disability or cognitive impairment, inability to attend all sessions, or who change their cardiovascular medications during the study are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a practical water-based exercise option that more effectively lowers blood pressure and improves vascular and autonomic function in older adults with hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: Prior land-based HIIT studies have often shown larger blood pressure and autonomic benefits than moderate continuous exercise, but HIIT performed in heated water is relatively untested and evidence is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥60 years old;
* Hypertension diagnosed at least 6 months earlier (stage 1 or 2);
* Antihypertensive drug treatment and without dosage alteration at least 3 months earlier;
* Blood pressure inferior to 140/90 mmHg in medical office.

Non-inclusion criteria:

* Smoking individuals;
* Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease;
* Disability;
* Deficit cognitive;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non 100% participation;
* Change (or stopped) clinical or drug treatment.

Where this trial is running

Bauru, São Paulo

• São Paulo State Univeristy — Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Emmanuel G Ciolac, Phd — São Paulo State University
• Study coordinator: Emmanuel Gomes G Ciolac, Phd

Conditions: Hypertension, Aging, Blood Pressure, Endothelial function, Exercise, Heart rate variability