6 Weeks of Boxing Combat Blood Pressure in Youth

SadaNews - A US study has shown that practicing boxing exercises for just 6 weeks can significantly contribute to lowering blood pressure and improving vascular function in young individuals suffering from high blood pressure or stage one of the disease.

Researchers at the University of Texas explained that boxing also improves vascular function, making it an effective means that could match the effects of medications in lowering high blood pressure. The findings were published on Thursday in the journal "Sports."

High blood pressure in youth is a growing health problem that often goes undiagnosed; many young individuals are unaware that they are experiencing the early stages of the disease. This increase raises the risk of heart disease and strokes in the future and is considered one of the most preventable cardiovascular risk factors through lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet.

This study is the first peer-reviewed trial to investigate the effect of boxing training on cardiovascular health in this demographic.

It included 24 participants with an average age of about 25, randomly divided into two groups; the first underwent a boxing training program, while the second practiced flexibility and balance exercises.

The boxing program included 3 sessions weekly for 6 weeks; participants performed 10 rounds, each lasting 3 minutes using boxing bags or glove exercises, with a minute of rest between rounds.

The results showed that participants in the boxing group recorded an average decrease of 16 mmHg in systolic pressure and 10 mmHg in diastolic pressure, levels of reduction that equal or exceed what medications typically achieve. Central systolic pressure, a measure considered more accurate in predicting heart disease risks, also decreased.

Systolic pressure is measured during the heart's contraction to pump blood, while diastolic pressure is measured during the heart's relaxation between beats. Blood pressure is considered normal when it is lower than 120/80 mmHg, while stage one hypertension indicates readings between 130/139 for systolic and 80/89 for diastolic.

The benefits were not limited to blood pressure alone; the study showed a noticeable improvement in endothelial function, which is the ability to regulate blood flow, whether in the arms or legs, signifying increased vascular flexibility and improved blood flow.

Researchers noted that these results reinforce the idea that boxing is not just an enjoyable sport; it can be an effective means of improving heart health and reducing the risks of heart attacks and strokes, especially among young individuals at risk of developing high blood pressure.

The team emphasized the importance of conducting future studies to determine whether these benefits extend to older adults or individuals who box outside organized training programs.