Research
Mixed
Combination exercise (endurance + resistance) is more effective than dynamic resistance alone for lowering SBP.
Combining cardio and strength training may lower blood pressure more than strength training alone. Try to include both types of exercise in your routine.
GoodSupportsMEDIUM confidence
One exception was the combination of endurance and resistance training, which was more effective in reducing baseline SBP than dynamic resistance alone (−2.98, 95% CrI −5.04 to −0.93).
Why this rating
Derived from the same network meta-analysis, but represents a subgroup comparison within exercise types.
Source
How does exercise treatment compare with antihypertensive medications? A network meta-analysis of 391 randomised controlled trials assessing exercise and medication effects on systolic blood pressure
Huseyin Naci et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2018
DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099921
Meta-analysis · 391 studiesCited 322×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Across all populations, antihypertensive medications achieve greater systolic blood pressure (SBP) reductions than structured exercise interventions, with a mean difference of -3.96 mmHg.Strong
- In hypertensive populations (SBP ≥140 mmHg), various exercise types (endurance, resistance, isometric, combination) are equally effective as most antihypertensive medications (ACE-I, ARB, beta-blockers, diuretics).Good
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