The Claim
Six weeks of knee-extensor exercise training reduced resting systolic blood pressure from 150±8 mmHg to 138±3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure from 91±5 mmHg to 79±3 mmHg, and improved flow-mediated dilation from 1.5±1% to 4.9±1% in six elderly men with mild hypertension.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In six elderly men with mild hypertension, six weeks of leg exercise lowered their resting blood pressure and improved the ability of their blood vessels to dilate in response to increased blood flow.
See the scientific wording
In six elderly men (mean age 71) with mild hypertension, six weeks of knee-extensor exercise training reduced resting systolic blood pressure from 150±8 mmHg to 138±3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure from 91±5 mmHg to 79±3 mmHg, while improving flow-mediated dilation (FMD) from 1.5±1% to 4.9±1%, indicating enhanced endothelial function.
When the legs are exercised, muscle activity increases oxygen use in the body, which causes a temporary rise in reactive molecules called ROS. These ROS molecules signal the lining of blood vessels to produce more nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes the vessel walls. This relaxation allows blood to flow more easily, lowering blood pressure and improving how well the vessels respond to increased blood flow.
What the research says
1 studyIn six older men with slightly high blood pressure, doing leg exercises for six weeks lowered their blood pressure and made their arteries work better. The study proves this happened.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.