Key result
Regular aquatic exercise lowers systolic blood pressure by ~9 mmHg in hypertensive older adults.
Why the study?
Systemic arterial hypertension affects more than 60% of the elderly, and aquatic exercises represent a promising non-pharmacological intervention whose effects on blood pressure and heart rate variability in this population warrant synthesis.
Does aquatic exercise reduce blood pressure and improve heart rate variability in hypertensive elderly individuals?
Does aquatic exercise reduce blood pressure and improve heart rate variability in hypertensive elderly individuals?
Aquatic exercises show potential as a complementary non-pharmacological strategy for reducing systolic blood pressure in hypertensive older adults, though protocol heterogeneity and limited age-specific trials preclude establishing a single effect size.
May support aquatic exercise for BP control in older hypertensives; leaves open optimal protocols and durability.
Introduction: Population aging increases the prevalence of Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH), affecting more than 60% of the elderly and raising the risk of serious cardiovascular events. In this context, aquatic exercises stand out as a promising non-pharmacological intervention: buoyancy reduces joint impact, while hydrostatic pressure improves venous return and stimulates vasodilation and bradycardia reflexes. Objective: To analyze the effects of aquatic exercises on blood pressure in hypertensive elderly individuals and to examine the evidence regarding heart rate variability (HRV). Method: Integrative Literature Review (2021–2026) in the Google Scholar, PubMed, and SciELO Brazil databases, evaluating acute blood pressure responses (single session) and chronic responses (continuous training). Results: Regular practice indicated a reduction in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP). In contrast, the responses to isolated sessions varied according to the protocol and the timing of measurement. The findings for diastolic blood pressure and for the maintenance of HRV effects over time were not uniform. Conclusion: Aquatic exercises show potential as a complementary strategy for controlling hypertension in the elderly. However, the diversity of protocols and the limited number of specific studies prevent determining a single magnitude of benefit, making this synthesis preliminary until the full review of the 14 planned studies.
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Freitas et al. (2026) conducted a review in Systemic arterial hypertension in elderly individuals. Aquatic exercise vs. Control conditions or baseline pre-exercise measurements was evaluated on Systolic and diastolic blood pressure control and heart rate variability. Regular aquatic exercise reduced systolic blood pressure by 9 mmHg over 8 weeks in hypertensive older adults, though acute single-session blood pressure and HRV responses varied.
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