Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Blood Pressure and Body Weight Among Hypertensive Adults in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Hypertension represents a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity in Nigeria, and non-pharmacological interventions such as structured exercise remain underutilised in clinical management. This study assessed the effect of a supervised aerobic exercise programme on blood pressure and body weight among hypertensive adults attending a primary healthcare centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Forty hypertensive adults were randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise group or a control group. The exercise group participated in 45-minute moderate-intensity walking sessions five days per week over eight weeks, while the control group maintained their usual routines. Blood pressure and body weight were measured at baseline, week four, and week eight. Paired t-tests and ANOVA were used for within-group and between-group comparisons. Post-intervention data revealed that the exercise group showed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body weight compared to baseline. Control group participants showed no significant changes. Improvements were more pronounced in older and more obese participants. No adverse exercise-related events were recorded. The study concludes that a structured aerobic walking programme is a safe and effective non-pharmacological tool for blood pressure reduction in hypertensive adults in Rivers State. Its integration into primary care protocols is recommended. Keywords: aerobic exercise, hypertension, blood pressure, body weight, Port Harcourt.