For clients with mild hypertension, what type of training can lead to a long-term reduction in resting blood pressure?

For clients with mild hypertension, cardiovascular training is recognized as the most effective approach for achieving a long-term reduction in resting blood pressure. Engaging in regular aerobic activities, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, helps improve heart efficiency and promotes better circulation. This type of training can lead to adaptations in the cardiovascular system, such as improvements in endothelial function, reduced arterial stiffness, and decreased peripheral resistance. As a result, consistent cardiovascular exercise has been shown to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time.

Other types of training, such as flexibility exercises, focus primarily on improving the range of motion and do not directly influence cardiovascular health or blood pressure levels. Motor skills training centers on coordination and agility, which are not directly related to blood pressure regulation. Muscular strength training can be beneficial for overall health but has a more variable impact on resting blood pressure, especially if not combined with cardiovascular exercise. Therefore, while all forms of exercise are important for health, cardiovascular training specifically has the strongest evidence supporting its role in managing mild hypertension effectively.