Effect of Hypertension Exercise Education on Knowledge and Blood Pressure Among the Elderly

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk in the elderly. While non-pharmacological interventions like hypertension exercise are effective, knowledge and participation rates remain low in community settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hypertension exercise education on knowledge enhancement and blood pressure reduction among the elderly. A pre-experimental study with a one-group pre-test and post-test design was conducted at Kembaran II Community Health Center, Banyumas Regency, from June to July 2026. A total of 21 elderly individuals with hypertension were selected using purposive sampling. The intervention consisted of a 90-minute structured session comprising health education (using audio-visual media and leaflets) and guided hypertension exercise practice. Data on knowledge and systolic/diastolic blood pressure were collected before and 10 minutes after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Paired Sample T-test, following normality verification. The mean knowledge score increased significantly from 59.0 (SD = 9.4) to 80.5 (SD = 10.2) (p < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure decreased from 147.7 (SD = 16.5) mmHg to 138.3 (SD = 17.2) mmHg (p < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 92.5 (SD = 8.2) mmHg to 86.4 (SD = 7.5) mmHg (p < 0.001). Participants shifted predominantly from Grade 1 Hypertension to High-Normal/Normal categories. Hypertension exercise education is associated with significant improvements in knowledge and acute reductions in blood pressure in the elderly. Integrating structured exercise education into routine community nursing practice is recommended, though controlled trials are needed to confirm long-term efficacy.