ENHANCING CARDIO-KIDNEY-METABOLIC HEALTH AND BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL IN SEDENTARY ELDERLY URBAN WOMEN THROUGH GROUP EXERCISE

Objective: This study investigates the impact of 32-weeks long structured group exercise program on cardio-kidney-metabolic health indicators among 320 women (mean age 69.9 years) living independently in their own households in the city of Rijeka, Croatia. Design and method: Participants engaged in biweekly sessions designed to improve mobility, balance, and strength. Key metrics, including blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip (WHR), waist-to-height ratios (WHtR), and handgrip strength, were measured before and at the end of follow-up. Results: Systolic BP was significantly lower at follow-up in the whole group (λ= -3.4 mmHg) and in the hypertensive subjects (λ= -4.4 mmHg). In normotensive subjects, we observed no changes or just a slight decrease (λ= -0.5 mmHg). There was no significant difference in diastolic BP. Importantly, pulse pressure improved significantly in hypertensive women (λ= -2.9 mmHg) and only slightly in normotensive women (λ= -2.9 mmHg). BP control improved significantly (7.2%), and 19% of the initially untreated hypertensives became normotensive at the end of follow-up. The BMI changes were minimal but statistically significant (p<0.001). The result suggests a stable distribution of WHR risk among participants, with minimal shifts between categories from baseline to follow-up. WHtR improvements indicated a reduction in central obesity and muscle-fat redistribution (p =0.002). Hand grip strength increased significantly on both arms, indicating a strong positive correlation between grip strength and physical activity. Conclusions: The findings highlight the dual somatic and psychosocial benefits of group exercise in older adults, including lower blood pressure, better hypertension control, lower pulse pressure, redistribution of adipose tissue, and increased arm strength, ultimately leading to healthy behaviors due to the social support provided by the program. Further studies with longer follow-up and involving different participant groups are recommended to confirm these results and improve intervention strategies.