The effect of physical activity on the quality of life in individuals with hypertension

Considering the widespread effects of hypertension on health factors and their impact on quality of life in affected patients and since the beneficial effects of physical activity and exercise on physiological systems, including the cardiovascular system, have been proven, therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity on the quality of life of patients with hypertension.

The study population included all patients with hypertension referring to the cardiovascular departments of hospitals affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences during the winter of 1397. From these patients, 140 patients (70 active patients with hypertension and 70 non-active patients with hypertension) were selected through available sampling method. The inclusion criterion of the study was diagnosis of hypertension disease by a physician that they have passed at least one year of diagnosis. Individuals who had at least two sessions per week and each session had at least 45 minutes of regular physical activity were selected as active individuals. Data collection was done by demographic and quality of life questionnaires (Ware & Sherbourne,1992).

Independent t-test showed that there was a significant difference between the mean quality of life in active people with hypertension and those non-active patients with hypertension in favor of active group (P <0.05).

According to the results of this study which indicates that the impact of physical activity on quality of life in patients with hypertension, it can be argued that sport and physical training can be an effective treatment for improving the health and improving the quality of life of people with hypertension.