The influence of exercise on adolescents with a predisposition to hypertension

The purpose of this study was to identify adolescents with a predisposition for hypertension, and to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise. Subjects, all attending a private secondary school, answered a questionnaire which enabled the investigator to select subjects showing a predisposition to hypertension. The questionnaire provided information concerning five risk factors for hypertension: exercise; body weight; heredity; diastolic blood pressure; and systolic blood pressure. Body weight and blood pressure were measured by the investigator prior to the execution of the questionnaire. Eleven subjects continued in the experimental group and eleven in the control group. The experimental group participated in an aerobic training program, four days a week for eleven weeks, while the control group continued their normal, previous level of exercise and activity. Diet remained constant for both groups. A statistical t-test was used to analyze the data. (See more in text)