Effect of Physical Activity Intervention on Blood Pressure in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Older Adults: A Cluster Randomized Trial.
Qianqian Liu, Xianlan Li, Qin Ye et al.
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In 30 seconds
This cluster-randomized trial examined whether a physical activity intervention affected blood pressure in socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults in eight villages in Sichuan, China. The analysis included 506 participants, with blood pressure assessed from baseline through 24 months. At 24 months, there were no significant between-group differences in systolic blood pressure (1.77 mm Hg; P = .37), diastolic blood pressure (0.50 mm Hg; P = .66), or mean arterial pressure (-0.93 mm Hg; P = .48). A significant diastolic blood pressure effect was reported at 12 months, but not at other reported follow-up points.
Key findings
- At 24 months, between-group differences were not significant for systolic blood pressure (1.77 mm Hg; P = .37), diastolic blood pressure (0.50 mm Hg; P = .66), or mean arterial pressure (-0.93 mm Hg; P = .48).
- At 12 months, the intervention had a significant effect on diastolic blood pressure (-2.44 mm Hg; P = .03).
- Results at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months showed no significant blood pressure effects.
Why it matters
Evidence on physical activity interventions and blood pressure in older adults with low socioeconomic status is limited. This trial found no significant blood pressure reduction at 24 months in this population, highlighting that effects observed in other groups may not necessarily generalize. The 12-month diastolic finding warrants cautious interpretation alongside the null results at other time points.
What to keep in mind
This was a secondary analysis, and the intervention was assigned across only eight villages. The abstract does not report further details on intervention adherence or blood pressure measurement.