Author(s): BEZERRA, J., SANTOS, F.E.R., PAIXÃO, M.A.A., GERAGE, A.M., Institution: UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO PARÁ, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 2205

INTRODUCTION:
Older hypertensive individuals may experience frailty, decreased balance, and muscle weakness, which can lead to falls. Physical activity, in turn, contributes to reducing these symptoms, improving the quality of life of these individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is an improvement in balance with ten weeks of training in hypertensive individuals.
METHODS:
Randomized controlled clinical trial with adults and elderly people with hypertension, practicing multicomponent training (strength, balance, aerobic endurance and flexibility), twice a week. Participants were randomized into an Intervention Group (IG) and a Control Group (CG). The CG continued to participate in classes normally and the IG performed a physical exercise protocol with an emphasis on balance, however, they also continued to perform strength and aerobic endurance exercises. The training lasted ten weeks. Six to seven static and dynamic balance exercises were used, lasting 30 to 45 minutes. In the first three weeks, exercises were performed with two sets of 12 to 15 repetitions, progressing from the fourth week to three sets of 12 repetitions. In the last four weeks, the exercises were performed with four sets of 12 repetitions. At baseline and after ten weeks, anthropometric measurements (body mass, body mass index, and height), blood pressure assessment and assessment of physical fitness using the senior fitness test (Rikli and Jones, 1999) were performed. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Two-way analysis for repeated measures and the LSD post-hoc test were used to compare the groups and verify differences. With p significance less than 0.05
RESULTS:
Twenty hypertensive individuals of both sexes participated in the study. The mean and Standard Deviation (SD) of the age of the IG (n=13) was 63.69 (6.18) years old, and the mean and SD of systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 135.0 (13.19) mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 80.18 (10.73) mmHg. The mean age and SD of the CG (n=07) was 62.57 (6.82) years old, SBP was 132.14 (13.58) mmHg, and DBP was 76.71 (9.63) mmHg. There was an increase in lower limb strength in the IG after training (p<0.001). An effect of time was also observed on the variables upper limb strength (p=0.014) and balance (p=0.001), with improvement for both groups.
CONCLUSION:
Ten weeks of multicomponent training promoted improvements in upper limb strength and balance in individuals with hypertension, regardless of whether it was complemented by balance exercises. However, balance training added to multicomponent training favors a greater increase in lower limb strength.

References
RIKLI RE, JONES CJ. Development and validation of functional fitness test for community-residing older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. 77:129-161, 1999.