AM vs PM Exercise Training

Blood pressure has an internal rhythm associated with the 24-hr clock. Nocturnal blood pressure (BP) is a key contributor to cardiovascular health and may be improved by exercise. Moreover, the time of day of the exercise may be a key factor. This study aims to evaluate the effects of morning and evening exercise training on BP and other measures of vascular function in older females with hypertension.

Inclusion criteria

• Systolic BP equal to or greater than 130 mmHg without BP medication or greater than 120 mmHg with medication and diastolic blood pressure equal to and greater than 80 mmHg
• 55-80 years old
• Post-menopausal female
• Able to walk without assistance

Exclusion criteria

• Habitually physically active defined as 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week
• Overt pulmonary disease/condition as follows: chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or pulmonary hypertension
• Cardiometabolic disease/condition as follows: diabetes, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, renal disease, secondary hypertension, chronic venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis within last 6 months
• Cancer within last 5 years
• Body mass index >39 kg/m2
• Current smoking or vape
• Evening shift work
• uncontrolled thyroid disorder
• 2 or more falls in the last year
• Anemia within 3 months of enrollment
• Parkinson's disease
• Dementia
• Unstable angina
• Acute pulmonary embolus or infarction
• Acute myocarditis or pericarditis
• Acute aortic dissection