Study With weight training lowered high blood pressure

Study: Student lowers high blood pressure with strength training

04/29/2014

A German student has managed to prove a positive influence of weight training on hypertension. In a study she was able to show that the participants in the sport by lowering the blood pressure. In addition, the training led to a better physical well-being.

Lowering high blood pressure with strength training
Hypertension can be demonstrably reduced with the help of strength training: this was successfully researched by the student Heike Holtappel at the Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve in North Rhine-Westphalia. Under the direction of dr. Robert Renner, Professor of Health Promotion and Nutrition, was able to win her many interested citizens from the region to participate in this hypertension study. The focus was on the influence of weight training on mild to moderate high blood pressure. As the study showed, the sport was able to lower the blood pressure and also said the subjects then of a better physical well-being.

High blood pressure can cause serious illnesses
High blood pressure is common and its incidence increases with age. If left untreated, serious illnesses such as heart attacks or strokes threaten. Although high blood pressure in some cases secondary to kidney disease, caused by hormonal disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or congenital vasoconstriction, the cause remains unknown in many of those affected. In the non-drug therapy is already longer on regular athletic activity and exercise set, as these have been shown to have positive effects. What is new, however, is that not only endurance sports such as cycling, Nordic walking or jogging can contribute to reducing blood pressure, but also adapted strength training.

Motivation and fun in training
The participants in the Klever study had to undergo a health check-up before they could start training. In addition to the control of blood pressure among other things, the body fat and muscle mass was analyzed and determined the blood lipid levels. To make a comparison, the subjects were divided into two groups. Thus, the subjects of one group completed the strength training over a period of eight weeks, while the control group did not join this training. During the training, which began in the forest garden Kleve, weekly twice strength exercises with the own body weight were on the program. The training was supported by Dipl. Sportwiss. Gregor Akkermann. The exercises took place without additional aids or weights and could therefore be carried out independently and at home. The training intensity was gradually increased by motivation and enjoyment of training.

All participants speak of improved physical well-being
The students regularly determined the blood pressure values ​​among the participants of the training group during the entire study period. After evaluation of all data, besides a possible hypotensive effect, an improvement of the mobility and the increase in strength was found in all members of the training group. As a result, the participants could cope better with everyday stress, such as lifting heavy objects. In addition, all participants of the training group confirmed an increased physical well-being. Student Holtappel, who completed the degree program „Bio Science and Health“ The Faculty of Life Sciences at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences summarized: „In summary, research in this area is meaningful and promising, and in addition to a possible reduction in blood pressure, additional positive effects can be achieved through adapted strength training.“ (Sb)