Effect of interval training program on rate-pressure product in the management of hypertension in black African male subjects: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Rate-pressure product is a determinant of cardiovascular risk in patient with hypertension and one of the major predictors of myocardial oxygen consumption. Aim: The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of interval training program on rate-pressure product in subjects with hypertension. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty-five male patients of essential hypertension with mild to moderate systolic blood pressure between 140 and 179 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 90 and 109 mmHg were age-matched and grouped into interval group ( n = 140) and control group ( n = 105). The interval (work:rest ratio of 1:1) group was involved in an 8-week interval training program of between 45 and 60 min at intensities of 60-79% of the maximum heart rate, while the control group remained sedentary during this period. Blood pressure, maximum volume of oxygen consumed (VO 2 max), and rate-pressure product were assessed. Results: Findings of the study revealed significant effect of exercise training program on rate-pressure product and VO 2 max. The correlation of rate-pressure product with systolic blood pressure was much stronger (87% variance) at P < 0.05. Conclusion: It was concluded that moderate intensity interval training program is an effective means of lowering myocardial oxygen consumption and an adjunct non-pharmacological management of essential hypertension.