Effects of a six-week training cessation after 12 weeks of recreational beach tennis on blood pressure and functional capacity in adults with hypertension

Although recreational sports like beach tennis are enjoyable and effective strategies for lowering blood pressure in hypertensive adults, it remains unclear how long these benefits are sustained after training cessation. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of six weeks of training cessation after a twelve-week recreational beach tennis intervention on blood pressure (BP) and functional capacity in adults with hypertension. Methods This quasi-experimental study included adults with hypertension who performed recreational beach tennis sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. The exercise session consisted of a 5-min standardized warm-up followed by three sets of 10–15 games, played according to official rules, lasting 45–60 min. Office BP, rate-pressure product, 30-s and 5-repetition chair-stand tests, and handgrip strength were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and after a six-week training cessation. Results Nineteen participants completed the study (52.9 ± 7.3 years; 37 % women; attendance rate 77.2 ± 18 %). After the twelve-week intervention, systolic and diastolic BP, rate-pressure product, chair-stand performance, and handgrip strength improved compared with baseline ( p <0.05). Following the detraining period, systolic BP (Δ: −10.0 ± 3.4 mmHg; p =0.005), rate-pressure product (Δ: −860.0 ± 289.1 mmHg bpm; p =0.015), and chair-stand performance remained improved compared to baseline, whereas diastolic BP and handgrip strength returned to baseline levels. Conclusions A twelve-week recreational beach tennis intervention improved blood pressure and functional capacity in adults with hypertension, with some adaptations remaining above baseline levels after six weeks of training cessation.