The Effect of Exercise Training on Exercise Behaviour and Quality Of Life in Hypertensive Individuals

Objective: The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of a 12-week exercise training programme on exercise-related behaviours, including exercise habits and exercise adherence, and quality of life in people with hypertension. Material and Method: The study included 113 participants, divided into a hypertensive group (n=68) and a normotensive group (n=45). Blood pressure and heart rate data were recorded, quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 scale, physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, lower extremity muscle strength using the 30-second chair-stand test, exercise behaviour using the Exercise Behaviour Scale, and exercise barriers using the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale. Assessments were made both before and after the exercise training programme. Results: In the hypertensive group, physical activity levels increased, blood pressure decreased, and there was a greater improvement in the stage of exercise change compared to the normotensive group (p<0.05). While total scores on the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale increased in both groups, with a greater increase in the hypertensive group, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Quality of life improved in both groups, with a greater improvement in the hypertensive group, but only the changes in bodily pain (p=0.044) and general health (p=0.041) were statistically significant in the hypertensive group. Conclusion: Analysis of the data suggests that hypertensive individuals showed greater improvements in exercise adherence and physical activity levels. This improvement appears to have a positive impact on health profiles by contributing to improved quality of life. Keywords: Exercise, hypertension, quality of life.