Group exercise improves patient compliance in mild to moderate hypertension
Gleichmann, U.M.; Philippi, H.H.; Gleichmann, S.I.; Laun, R.; Mellwig, K.P.; Frohnapfel, F.; Liebermann, A.
Journal of Hypertension. Suppl Official Journal of the International Society of Hypertension 7(3): S77-S80
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0952-1178 PMID: 2668467 Document Number: 334806
One of the major problems of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment is compliance of the patient. We attempted to reduce compliance problems by using group exercise in hypertensive patients. A group of 29 hypertensive patients (aged 54 +/- 10 years) met weekly for nearly 2 years. Each session (90-120 min) comprised four parts: endurance training, gymnastics and relaxation, education and a discussion of related problems such as nutrition and lifestyle. There was a significant decrease in systolic (9%) and diastolic (6%) blood pressures at rest and during exercise (systolic 12%), and an increased maximal work load (18%). In addition, drug treatment was substantially reduced (reduced in 56% of patients abandoned in 10% of patients). Cholesterol levels were reduced by 18%, although, during a 6-10 day nutritional report, fat made up 40% of the total calorific intake, indicating the need for individualized dietary advice. The major goal was to improve compliance and increase non-pharmacological treatment, exercise being a minor consideration which may have relevance for the treatment of hypertension.