LAUSR

Objective: To evaluate the impact of adapted physical activity (APA) on blood pressure (BP) and hypertension control among soldiers in the Kinshasa garrison. Design and method: We assessed variation in BP level and hypertension control in 229 soldiers randomly allocated to endurance training (active group n = 119) or maintained at rest (control group n = 110) for 8 weeks. Both study groups comprised of 58 % drug treated hypertensive patients. Results: At the last available visit after randomization BP was 5.1/3.0 mmHg lower in the active than in the control group for all randomized participants and 4.3/2.0 mmHg lower for the cohort of participants who completed the protocol. Exercise induced BP reduction was greater in participants < 50y, in high graded officers and in hypertensive individuals. The control of hypertension, unchanged in the control group, increased from 43.8% at randomization to 85.3% in the active group (p < 0.001). The probability to control hypertension was greater for the active group (RR: 3.38 [95% CI: 1.48–4.84]; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our results support the recommendation that endurance physical activity constitutes a cornerstone not only for the prevention but also for the treatment and control of arterial hypertension.