GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

Guides For Authors

Call For Papers
Processing Charges
Journal Coverage
Open Access Policy
Terms and Policies

Secured Payment

GENDER VARIATIONS IN SYSTOLIC AND DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE RESPONSES TO 12-WEEK JOG-WALK PROGRAMME IN PRE-HYPERTENSIVE ADULTS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is a major public health concern, and pre-hypertension represents an early stage that increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. This study examined gender variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure responses to a 12-week structured jog-walk exercise programme among pre-hypertensive adults in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The purpose was to determine the effect of the exercise intervention on blood pressure and to compare male and female responses. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses tested at a 0.05 significance level. A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design was adopted, involving 50 pre-hypertensive staff members (25 males and 25 females) aged 30–60 years from selected public tertiary institutions. Baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured using a standardized digital sphygmomanometer, and participants’ demographic and anthropometric data were recorded. The 12-week jog-walk programme was conducted three times per week, with sessions lasting 45–60 minutes. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests to assess pre- and post-intervention changes and independent t-tests to examine gender differences. Results indicated significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure for all participants. Males showed mean decreases of 7.9 mmHg (SBP) and 5.6 mmHg (DBP), while females had reductions of 5.6 mmHg (SBP) and 4.0 mmHg (DBP) (p < 0.001). Independent t-tests revealed that males experienced significantly greater reductions in both SBP (t =3.12, p = 0.003) and DBP (t = 2.45, p = 0.018) compared to females. The study concludes that structured aerobic exercise is effective in reducing blood pressure among pre-hypertensive adults and highlights the need for gender-sensitive exercise interventions. Recommendations include promoting community-based jog-walk programmes, considering gender differences in exercise design, implementing regular blood pressure screening, and strengthening health education on lifestyle modification for hypertension prevention.

KEYWORDS: Pre-Hypertension, Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Gender Differences, Structured Exercise and Jog-Walk Programme

Dr. Esther U. Andrews, Ekemini P. Asuquo And Aniekan E. Udofia

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MODERN HEALTH SYSTEMS AND MEDICAL SCIENCES, VOL 3 NO. 1