The Claim

Combined training reduces 24-hour systolic blood pressure by 6.2 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 3.9 mm Hg in adults with hypertension, and is one of the most effective exercise modalities for ambulatory blood pressure control.

Source: Effects of different exercise training modalities on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in adults with hypertension: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
65score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Quantitative
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In adults with high blood pressure, combined training lowers 24-hour systolic blood pressure by 6.2 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 3.9 mm Hg, making it one of the most effective forms of exercise for controlling ambulatory blood pressure.

See the scientific wording

Combined training reduces 24-hour systolic blood pressure by 6.2 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 3.9 mm Hg in adults with hypertension, making it one of the most effective exercise modalities for ambulatory blood pressure control, though evidence confidence is low due to imprecision and limited direct comparisons.

Why this might work

Doing both cardio and strength exercises together makes blood vessels relax more and stay open longer, which lowers blood pressure all day. Cardio exercise stretches the inside of blood vessels, triggering a chemical that tells the vessel walls to loosen up. Strength exercise adds more of this effect, keeping the vessels relaxed even when not exercising, so blood pressure stays lower for 24 hours.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Effects of different exercise training modalities on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in adults with hypertension: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

    This study found that doing both cardio and strength exercises together lowered daily blood pressure more than just cardio alone — by about 6 mm Hg systolic and 4 mm Hg diastolic, just like the claim says. But the data isn’t super strong, so we can’t say for sure it’s always better than other workouts.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.