Int J Sports Med 2000; 21(Suppl 2): 94-97
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-8497
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

Exercise as a Therapy to Control Hypertension in Children

B. S. Alpert
  • Plough Foundation Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, University of Tennessee, School of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

Zoom Image

Hypertension is not uncommon in childhood and adolescence; vascular and renal causes predominate. Non-pharmacologic therapy, including exercise, may lower blood pressure (BP). There are several articles relating to the use of exercise as a therapy for high BP. Most of these show a beneficial effect. The (dose) of exercise remains undetermined. There are no known data stating that dynamic exercise is of significant risk in childhood or adolescence. A multicenter trial of exercise is proposed to define the intensity, duration, and frequency of sessions needed to obtain optimal BP control.