ARE DECREASES IN EXERCISE BLOOD PRESSURE PREDICTED BY CHANGES IN FITNESS AND FATNESS?
Rationale: BP during exercise testing provides data about cardiovascular responses not reflected in resting BP. Exercise training increases fitness and reduces fatness, but the relationship of these parameters to change in exercise BP is unknown.Objective: To measure the effects of 6 months of exercise training on changes in exercise BP and in relation to changes in fitness and fatness.Methodology: Sedentary persons, 55-75 years, with untreated BP of 130-159/or 85-99 mm Hg, were randomized to exercise or a control group. BP was assessed at rest and during each stage of a graded exercise test (GXT), which measured fitness (Vo2max). Walking began at 3 mph and 0% grade and increased 2.5% each 3 minutes, stopping at volitional fatigue. Body composition was assessed by anthropometrics, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and magnetic resonance imaging. Baseline to 6-month change in BP was calculated for each GXT stage completed.Results: The sample included 51 men and 53 women. Exercisers sign
