Upper Extremity Aerobic Versus Resistance Training in Hypertensive Patients

Background: Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor, and structured exercise is a core non-pharmacological intervention for improving functional capacity and cardiopulmonary health. Although both aerobic and resistance training are beneficial, comparative evidence regarding upper-extremity exercise modalities in hypertensive patients remains limited. Objective: To compare the effects of upper-extremity aerobic training and upper-extremity resistance training on cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with hypertension. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 40 hypertensive participants aged 35-65 years recruited from the Multan Institute of Cardiology, Multan. Participants were allocated to upper-extremity aerobic training or upper-extremity resistance training, with 20 individuals in each group. Both interventions were delivered three times weekly for four weeks. Outcome measures included 6-minute walk distance, rating of perceived exertion, and estimated VO2max, assessed at baseline and after completion of treatment. Within-group analysis used paired-samples t tests, and between-group comparisons used independent-samples t tests. Results: Both groups showed significant pre- to post-intervention improvement in all outcome measures. The aerobic group improved from 203.20±45.35 m to 543.50±44.51 m in 6-minute walk distance, from 6.55±0.94 to 1.90±0.64 in RPE, and from 26.50±1.96 to 47.70±5.08 mL/kg/min in VO2max (all p<0.001). The resistance group also improved significantly, but to a lesser extent. Between-group analysis favored aerobic training for post-treatment 6-minute walk distance, RPE, and VO2max (all p<0.001). Conclusion: Both upper-extremity exercise programs improved cardiorespiratory fitness-related outcomes in hypertensive patients, but upper-extremity aerobic training produced greater short-term benefit.