Work

The effects of aquatic exercise therapy on blood pressure in elderly people with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Background Hypertension remains one of the most common controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Aquatic exercise therapy (AET), as a safe and low-impact form of exercise, has attracted considerable attention due to its potential cardiovascular benefits; however, its impact on blood pressure control in elderly patients with hypertension remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of AET on blood pressure and heart rate in elderly patients with hypertension. Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL was conducted from inception to July 2026. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of AET compared with control interventions in older adults with hypertension were included. The primary outcomes were systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), while HR was considered a secondary outcome. Random-effects models were applied for meta-analysis, and subgroup analyses were performed based on the type of control intervention. Results Four RCTs involving 123 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with control conditions, aquatic exercise therapy (AET) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD −10.98 mmHg, 95% CI −17.41 to −4.56, P = 0.001; I² = 29%), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD −5.97 mmHg, 95% CI −6.57 to −5.36, P = 0.001; I² = 0%), and heart rate (HR) (MD −5.91 beats/min, 95% CI −6.70 to −5.12, P = 0.001; I² = 0%). According to the GRADE assessment, the certainty of evidence for the main outcomes was rated as moderate. Conclusions AET may be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving blood pressure control and reducing heart rate in older adults with hypertension. However, further well-designed RCTs with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm its long-term clinical effects. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261462262 , PROSPERO: CRD420261462262.

Source: Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2026.1951070

Authors: Xiaofeng Cheng, Jinsong Luo, Xianhui Liao

Institutions: Shaoxing University, Wuchang University of Technology, Monash University

Language: English

Topic: Blood Pressure and Hypertension Studies

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801