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Benefits of Short-term Modified Stepping Exercise on Blood Pressure and Physical Performance in Female Elderly with Hypertension: a Pilot Study

This study aimed to investigate the effects of continuous bench stepping on a 20-cm bench box in female elderly with hypertension. The participants were recruited in a rural area in ChumPhae District, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Twenty (20) participants who passed the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to the control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. The EG performed modified stepping exercises (continuously stepping up and down within 60 min/session with 3 sessions/wk for 4 wk at moderate intensity), while the CG received lifestyle modification without specific training. The primary outcome was blood pressure level [systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)]. The secondary outcomes consisted of exercise tolerance, balance ability, and lower leg muscle strength, which were assessed by a 6-min walk test (6MWT), timed up and go test (TUGT), and five-time sit to stand test (FTSTS), respectively. After 4 wk of training, there were significant interactions between group and time in terms of SBP, DBP, 6MWT, and FTSTS (all p < 0.01 except for 6MWT with p < 0.05). Nonetheless, the paired t-test indicated that the EG showed significant improvement in all outcomes from baseline (all p < 0.01 except for 6MWT with p < 0.05). In contrast, the CG showed non-significant improvement in all outcomes. In conclusion, the short-term modified stepping exercise might be appropriate for blood pressure control in adjuvant with antihypertensive medications, and it can also improve physical performance in female elderly with hypertension.