The study involved 24 young adults, with an average age of 25. Participants were divided into two groups: one engaging in boxing training and another performing flexibility and balance exercises, both following the same schedule. All volunteers had stage one high blood pressure, characterized by systolic blood pressure readings between 130-139 mmHg and diastolic readings between 80-89 mmHg.
Specifically, participants completed 10 training rounds, each lasting three minutes, either with a punching bag or through mitt work with a trainer. These rounds were interspersed with one-minute short breaks. The training regimen consisted of three sessions each week.
Results showed that participants in the boxing group experienced an average reduction of 16 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 10 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure. Researchers emphasized that this reduction is comparable to, and in some cases even greater than, the outcomes typically achieved through medication.
Professor Alvaro Gurovich, co-author of the study from the University of Texas at El Paso, US, stated: "What we are demonstrating is that boxing training is not just an enjoyable exercise; it can fundamentally alter how blood vessels operate."
Professor Gurovich further explained that after just six weeks, participants' blood vessels became more flexible, reacted faster, and transported more blood. This directly contributes to a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Six weeks of boxing training can reduce blood pressure and enhance blood vessel function. Photo: Sixthtone |
Six weeks of boxing training can reduce blood pressure and enhance blood vessel function. Photo: Sixthtone
For young adults who are already showing signs of hypertension, this presents a powerful and sustainable alternative to starting a lifelong medication regimen.
Professor Gurovich underscored: "Hypertension is a primary driver of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. However, many young people in the early stages of this condition are unaware they have it."
If left untreated, mild hypertension can worsen, causing damage that increases the risk of serious issues such as heart attack and stroke. The researchers noted that future trials need to investigate whether similar benefits can be achieved in older populations.
"These findings could reshape how clinicians approach one of the world's most common cardiovascular risk factors today", the professor remarked.
By My Y, (According to Express)
