ABSTRACT
Previous reports have shown that moderate-intensity regular exercise reduces blood pressure, also has beneficial effects on other biochemical parameters. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of regular exercise on blood pressure and lipid profile in overweight or obese women. Thirty five apparently healthy women participated in this study. Their age ranged from 22-46 years, most of them were overweight and obese. The exercise group met a Treadmill training program 2 km in half hour in JandK and Raeky fitness centers in Erbil city. The training group exercised at least three times per week. Blood pressure, heart rate, serum glucose and lipid profiles were monitored throughout 4 weeks of regular exercise. Regular exercise produced significant reductions in both blood pressure and heart rate [Systolic BP decreased from 123.57 +/- 3.76 to 113.93 +/- 3.52 mmHg, Diastolic BP decreased from 81.07 +/- 9.8 to 73.57 +/- 2.59mmHg]. Highly significant reductions in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein were observed, whereas no significant changes were detected in serum glucose, triglycerides and High density lipoprotein levels. These data suggest that 4 weeks of regular exercise training in normal persons can result in significant reduction in blood pressure accompanied by favorable changes in lipid profile