THE EFFECT OF LOW-IMPACT AEROBIC EXERCISE ON REDUCING BLOOD PRESSURE IN ELDERLY HYPERTE NSION

Abstract

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as "the silent killer" and is common in the elderly and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The WHO estimates that hypertension cases will increase by 80% among elderly people in developing countries by 2025. There are 63 million cases of hypertension in Indonesia, with a mortality rate of 427,218. Various measures to address hypertension include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Non-pharmacological measures include low-impact aerobic exercise. Low-impact aerobic exercise is a light movement that can increase heart and lung endurance. Low-impact aerobic exercise movements are done without jumping and one foot remains resting on the floor. This movement consists of 19 core movements, namely Mars, Kick, front-back, V-step, Step touch, Two steps, Double steps, Grive fine, Front lunges, side lunges, Back lunges, Back kick, Tup front, Tup side, Squat, Cha-cha step, High knee, cross High Knee, leg curl. This study observed the effect of low-impact aerobic exercise on reducing blood pressure in 37 elderly people suffering from hypertension. The exercise was carried out for 3 weeks with a frequency of 3 times a week and a duration of 30 minutes each exercise. The results of the study showed an effect on blood pressure before and after exercise. Systolic blood pressure decreased from 136.7 mmHg to 130.8 mmHg in the third week, and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 83.2 mmHg to 78.9 mmHg in the third week after exercise.Low-impact aerobics can be used as an alternative non-pharmacological treatment for elderly people suffering from hypertension. Exercise should be performed at least three times a week, each session lasting 30 minutes. This exercise can help lower blood pressure and even maintain elevated blood pressure in the elderly. It is recommended that Posbindu (Integrated Health Posts) and Nursing Homes (Panti Werdha) make this activity a routine activity for the elderly to support a more productive quality of life.