Key result
Exercise significantly improves aerobic capacity in prehypertension and hypertension.
Why the study?
The study aimed to quantify the effects of exercise on aerobic capacity in people with prehypertension or hypertension and identify exercise prescription parameters that optimize improvements.
Does exercise improve aerobic capacity in people with prehypertension or hypertension?
Meta-Analysis
Does exercise improve aerobic capacity in people with prehypertension or hypertension?
Standardized Mean Difference: 0.88 (95% CI 0.61–1.15)
p-value: p=< 0.00001
Exercise, particularly multicomponent training, significantly improves aerobic capacity in individuals with prehypertension or hypertension.
Supports incorporating exercise into hypertension management; extends evidence by identifying optimal prescription parameters.
This study aimed to quantify the effects of exercise on aerobic capacity in people with prehypertension or hypertension and to identify exercise prescription parameters that optimize improvements. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus from inception to 24 October 2025. Data were pooled using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Exercise significantly improved aerobic capacity in people with prehypertension or hypertension (SMD = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.61-1.15; P < 0.00001), with multicomponent training demonstrating superior efficacy. Exploratory subgroup analyses suggest that longer programs (≥12 weeks), lower frequency (<3 sessions/week), 60-min sessions or longer, total weekly exercise less than 180 min, and professional supervision may be associated with better outcomes.
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Chen et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in prehypertension or hypertension. Exercise was evaluated on aerobic capacity (SMD 0.88, 95% CI 0.61-1.15, p=< 0.00001). Exercise significantly improved aerobic capacity in people with prehypertension or hypertension (SMD 0.88; 95% CI 0.61-1.15; P<0.00001).
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