Postexercise Hypotension and Exercise Adherence
Postexercise Hypotension and Exercise Adherence
Sedentary (n=24) adults ≥18 yr with elevated BP to established hypertension were enrolled
 into this randomized clinical trial entitled, 'Blood Pressure UtiLizing Self-Monitoring after
 Exercise study or PULSE'. Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise only
 (EXERCISE; n=12) or exercise plus BP self-monitoring (EXERCISE+PEH) (n=12) group. All
 participants participated in a 12 wk supervised moderate intensity aerobic exercise training
 program 40 min/d for 3 d/wk. In addition, they were encouraged to exercise at home ≥30 min/d
 for 1-2 d/wk. All participants self-monitored exercise with a traditional calendar recording
 method and heart rate (HR) monitor. In addition to traditional exercise self-monitoring
 (EXERCISE), individuals in the EXERCISE+PEH group were given a home BP monitor to assess home
 BP twice daily (in the morning upon awakening and in the evening) and prior to and after
 voluntary home exercise sessions. Resting BP, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), physical
 activity, dietary and salt intake, and antihypertensive medication adherence were measured
 before and after the 12 wk supervised exercise training program. In addition, integrated
 social-cognitive predictors of exercise that included questionnaires on exercise
 self-efficacy, barriers self-efficacy, outcome expectations for exercise, exercise intention,
 and affective responses to exercise were measured before and after the 12 wk supervised
 exercise training program. Four weeks following the completion of exercise training,
 self-reported exercise levels were assessed during a telephone interview in both groups.
 Among EXERCISE+PEH only, self-monitoring of BP was also self-reported during this telephone
 interview.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  ≥18 yr

 -  SBP ≥130 mmHg or DBP ≥80 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication regardless of BP
 with a SBP <160 mmHg and DBP <100 mmHg

 -  Free of diagnosed cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, metabolic, or other chronic
 diseases or depression

 -  Non-smokers for at least 6 mo prior to entry

 -  Consumed <2 alcoholic drinks daily

 -  Physically inactive defined as engaging in formal exercise ≤ 2d/wk.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Taking medications that influenced blood pressure such as inhaled or oral steroids,
 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, aspirin, and nutritional supplements with the
 exception of a 1-a-day vitamin, cold medications, and herbal supplements

 -  Osteoarthritis and orthopedic problems that compromised ability to exercise.

 -  Past medical history of cancer-related lymphedema

 -  Seeking to gain or lose weight

 -  Pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant.

 -  Hormone-altering contraception administered in a bolus