Background:

Exercise training could interact with the pharmacological therapy of hypertension, increasing the effects of these medications.

Aim:

To assess the effects of 12 weeks of physical training on blood pressure of hypertensive or diabetic patients, already receiving pharmacological therapy.

Material and methods:

Twelve participants with diabetes and hypertension, 16 participants with hypertension and 18 healthy participants were studied. During six weeks no intervention was carried out, except the treatment for their underlying conditions. During the ensuing six weeks, participants were subjected 12 sessions of physical training. Blood pressure was measured at baseline and after six and twelve weeks of intervention.

Results:

During the period without physical training, no changes in blood pressure were observed. After the physical training intervention systolic blood pressure decreased by 16, 17 and 20 mm Hg in participants with diabetes and hypertension, participants with hypertension and healthy participants, respectively. Diastolic blood pressure decreased by 9 and 6 mmHg in participants with diabetes and hypertension and hypertension alone, respectively.

Conclusions:

There is a decrease in blood pressure among hypertensive participants receiving pharmacological therapy, after a period of physical training.