Key result
Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (aerobic dance or brisk walking) for 8–16 weeks reduced systolic BP by 7.1–7.5 mmHg and diastolic BP by 1.5–5.6 mmHg in African adults with hypertension.
Why the study?
Although physical activity is a recognised non-pharmacological approach for managing hypertension, evidence on its impact for preventing and controlling high blood pressure in African populations remains disjointed.
Does structured moderate-intensity physical activity improve blood pressure control in adults with hypertension in Africa?
Systematic Review
Yes
Does structured moderate-intensity physical activity improve blood pressure control in adults with hypertension in Africa?
This systematic review confirms that 8 to 16 weeks of culturally adaptable, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and aerobic dance effectively lowers systolic blood pressure and enhances antihypertensive medication efficacy among adults in Africa.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Supports integrating moderate-intensity aerobic exercise into hypertension care for African adults; extends evidence to this population and confirms synergy with medication.
Background Hypertension is still one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa, largely driven by sedentary lifestyles and limited access to preventive healthcare. Physical activity has been recognised as a cost-effective, non-pharmacological approach for the management of hypertension. Nonetheless, evidence from African populations continues to be disjointed. This study aimed to assess the impact of physical activity in the prevention and control of high blood pressure in adults in Africa. Methods A comprehensive review was performed utilising studies published from 2010 to 2025 sourced from PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and African Index Medicus. Retrieved studies were screened based on pre-determined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted according to key variables, including study design, intervention type, duration, outcome measures, and key findings. The CASP checklist for randomised controlled trials was employed to assess the methodological quality of the studies that were included. Studies were synthesised using a narrative synthesis approach. Results Five studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The results repeatedly demonstrated that moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, especially brisk walking and aerobic dance, substantially reduced systolic blood pressure, with lesser albeit favourable impacts on diastolic blood pressure. Interventions lasting 12 to 16 weeks or longer and those that included medication led to the most significant results. Conclusion Consistent, moderate-intensity physical activity significantly reduces blood pressure and ought to be included in hypertension care and preventive programs in Africa. The results show that there is a need for national policies that encourage community-based fitness programs and more large-scale studies to look at long-term and gender-specific impacts. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD420251131467.
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Anyakorah et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Hypertension. Structured moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (aerobic dance and brisk walking) vs. Usual daily activities (sedentary/no organized exercise) or antihypertensive drug therapy alone was evaluated on Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg). Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (aerobic dance or brisk walking) for 8–16 weeks reduced systolic BP by 7.1–7.5 mmHg and diastolic BP by 1.5–5.6 mmHg in African adults with hypertension.
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