Gym and home-based combined training in men with primary hypertension: are they equally effective on functional fitness profile, body composition components, and biochemical parameters of hypertension?

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of 10 weeks of gym versus home-based combined training on the functional fitness, body composition, and biochemical parameters of hypertension in primary hypertensive men.

Methods: Forty-six patients (age 48 ± 9 years, BMI 30 ± 4 kg/m) assigned into three groups: a gym-based combined training (GBCTr: n = 16; resistance at 60-80% of 1RM, using pin-loaded resistance equipment, aerobic at 40-60% HRR, and stretching), home-based combined training (HBCTr: n = 15; resistance at 12-15 RPE, using an elastic exercise band, aerobic at 40-60% HRR, and stretching), and control (CTR, n = 15).

Results: Following GBCTr and HBCTr, the functional aerobic capacity ( = .005 and = .004, respectively), flexibility ( = .01 and = .004, respectively), and lower limb muscle strength ( = .01 and = .02, respectively) was increased significantly compared with the CTR group. The body weight ( = .02), body mass index ( = .008), hip circumference ( = .02), and nitric oxide level in GBCTr and HBCTr group ( = .002 and = .02, respectively) was decreased significantly compared with the CTR group. No significant changes found in the plasma levels of NADPH oxidase 5, thioredoxin-2, thioredoxin reductase-2, and resting blood pressure after GBCTr and HBCTr compared with the CTR group.

Conclusion: These results suggest that in hypertensive men, HBCTr equally to GBCTr improved functional fitness and body composition remarkably without necessarily reducing resting blood pressure. Therefore, they can be advisable substitutes for gaining health benefits.