Effects of aerobic training with and without progression on blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta-analyses and meta-regressions

Abstract

Aims: To analyze the effects of aerobic training with and without progression on blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: The databases used for the systematic search were PubMed, Cochrane Central, SPORTDiscus and LILACS. Studies which analyzed blood pressure before and after an intervention period of eight or more weeks of aerobic training compared to a control group without training in patients with type 2 diabetes were included.

Results: Of the 4186 studies found, 17 clinical trials were included (912 participants). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased after aerobic training with progression (-6.78 mmHg; 95% CI -8.36, -5.19; p < 0.001) and without progression (-8.07 mmHg; 95% CI -9.37, -6.77; p < 0.001). The same happened regarding diastolic blood pressure (DBP), which decreased with aerobic training with progression (-3.10 mmHg; 95% CI -4.90, -1.31; p < 0.001) and without progression (-5.71 mmHg; 95% CI -7.15, -4.28; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Aerobic training is effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes, regardless of progression in training variables.

Keywords: Aerobic exercise; Blood pressure; Diabetes mellitus.