Associations between duration and volume of muscle-strengthening exercise and clinically assessed hypertension among 10 519 UK adults: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Clinical evidence shows that muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) is important for the treatment and management of hypertension. However, the links between MSE and hypertension in epidemiological research are currently poorly understood. This study examines the association between MSE duration and volume with clinically assessed hypertension.

Methods: Cross-sectional data (n = 10519, adults ≥ 16 years) were pooled from the Health Survey for England (2012, 2016). Self-reported MSE mode (own bodyweight; gym-based), duration, and volume were tested for associations with sphygmomanometer measured hypertension (SBP ≥ 130 mmHg or DBP ≥ 80 mmHg). Poisson regressions with robust error variance were used to calculate the prevalence ratios of hypertension (outcome variable) across MSE (exposure variables: duration (minutes [0 (reference); 10-20; 21 -59; ≥60/session]); and volume [0 (reference); low
Results: Most adults (81.1%) did no MSE. However, in those who did (n = 1984), undertaking any MSE, regardless of mode, duration, or volume, was associated with a reduced likelihood of hypertension (adjusted prevalence ratios 0.61-0.90). When compared with the reference groups (no MSE), some modes had more favourable associations (e.g. ≥60 min/session of own bodyweight MSE; ≥mean min/week of gym-based MSE).

Conclusion: Irrespective of duration or volume, MSE was associated with a lower prevalence of clinically assessed hypertension. Public-health campaigns and other interventions that successfully promote small-to-moderate increases in MSE participation may reduce the prevalence of hypertension.