Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Blood Pressure and Sleep Quality in Hypertensive Postmenopausal Female

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life, marked by hormonal changes that can lead to various health issues, including hypertension and sleep disturbances. Managing these conditions is crucial for improving the quality of life in postmenopausal women. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of aerobic exercise and anti-hypertensive medication on blood pressure and sleep quality in hypertensive postmenopausal women. Methods: This randomized controlled trial, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05306929), was conducted at Al Mustafa Maternity Hospital in Lahore over six months. Forty-six hypertensive postmenopausal women aged 45-65 were selected using convenience sampling and randomized into two groups. Group A (n=23) received anti-hypertensive medication plus 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise five days a week for eight weeks. Group B (n=23) received only anti-hypertensive medication. Blood pressure was measured using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline, and after 4 and 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25, employing the Shapiro-Wilk test, Friedman test, and Mann-Whitney test. Results: Group A showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 153.29 ± 11.56 mmHg at baseline to 135.05 ± 10.25 mmHg at 4 weeks, and 125.29 ± 8.15 mmHg at 8 weeks (p<0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased from 92.96 ± 4.55 mmHg at baseline to 84.76 ± 4.58 mmHg at 4 weeks, and 80.62 ± 3.85 mmHg at 8 weeks (p<0.001). In contrast, Group B showed less pronounced reductions in SBP and DBP. PSQI scores in Group A improved from 10.95 ± 4.85 at baseline to 9.14 ± 4.56 at 4 weeks, and 7.52 ± 4.12 at 8 weeks. However, the difference in sleep quality between the two groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Aerobic exercise combined with anti-hypertensive medication significantly reduced blood pressure in hypertensive postmenopausal women compared to medication alone. Although sleep quality improved in both groups, the differences were not significant. These findings suggest that incorporating aerobic exercise into the treatment regimen for hypertensive postmenopausal women can enhance cardiovascular health.