Effects of school-based aerobic exercise on blood pressure in adolescent girls at risk for hypertension

Objectives. This study evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise physical education on blood pressure in high-risk, predominantly African-American, adolescent girls. Methods. Ninth-grade girls (n = 99) with blood pressure above the 67th percentile were randomized to 1 semester of aerobic exercise classes or standard physical education classes. Result. The study was completed by 88 girls. At posttest, only members of the aerobic exercise group increased their estimated cardiorespiratory fitness. The aerobic exercise group had a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure than the standard physical education group (P <.03). Conclusions. Aerobic exercise physical education is a feasible and effective health promotion strategy for high-risk adolescent girls.