Effects and correlates of continuous training programme on psychosocial status and white blood cell count in men with essential hypertension: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect and relationship of continuous training programme on WBCc and psychosocial status of black African (Nigerian) subjects with hypertension. Methods: Nigerian subjects with diagnosis of hypertension attending the hypertensive clinic of Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital (MMSH), Kano, Nigeria form the population for the study. 217 subjects with mild to moderate (systolic blood pressure [SBP] between 140-180 & diastolic blood pressure [DBP] between 90-109 mmHg) essential hypertension were age matched and randomly grouped into continuous (112) & control groups (105). The continuous group involved in an 8 weeks continuous training (60%-79% HR max) of between 45 minutes to 60 minutes, 3 times per week, while the controls group remain sedentary. SBP, DBP, WBCc, VO2max and psychosocial status were assessed. Student t test and Pearson correlation test were used in data analysis. Results: The study revealed a significant beneficial effect of continuous training programmes on VO2max, SBP, DBP, WBCc and psychosocial status (p < 0.05). Psychosocial status and WBCc were positively and negatively correlated respectively with VO2max at p < 0.01. Conclusions: This study supports the recommendations of moderate intensity (continuous) training program as an adjunct multi-therapy in blood pressure, inflammatory and psychosocial stress management in hypertension.