Effectiveness of aquatic exercise on reduction B-type natriuretic peptide values in postmenopausal hypertensive women: a randomized clinical trial

Purpose: To compare the responses of aquatic exercise with dry land training and control inactive group on B-type natriuretic peptide and plasma renin activity levels in postmenopausal hypertensive women. Methods: Forty postmenopausal hypertensive women were randomly assigned to 3 groups: water group, dry land group and a non-intervention control group. The exercises programs consisted of consisted of 50-min sessions, three-times a week and was performed for 12 weeks. Samples of B-type natriuretic peptide and plasma renin activity levels were collected pre- and post-intervention. In the dry land exercise program, heart rate was maintained at around 50–60 % of the heart rate reserve, deducting 17 heart beats for aquatic exercise. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in B-type natriuretic peptide in the water group (37 ± 11.1 ng/L) to (22 ± 9.4 ng/L), pre and post intervention, respectively. There was no difference in plasma renin activity levels between groups and moments. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of aquatic exercise in reducing B-type natriuretic peptide values in postmenopausal hypertensive women. Plasma renin activity levels values were not influenced by either of the interventions.