Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of telerehabilitation with multimodal exercise on cardiac remodeling and blood pressure in hypertensive older adults.
Methods: Thirty-two hypertensive older adults (66.7 ± 5.33 years; 29.5 ± 4.22 Kg/m2; 24 female) were randomized into either a telerehabilitation or a control group. Echocardiographic parameters and blood pressure were assessed before and after the 16-week intervention. The exercise program was supervised, individualized, and offered 3×/week via videoconference.
Results: Blood pressure significantly decreased after telerehabilitation when compared to the control group, presenting a large effect size. The moderate effect size in relative and posterior wall thickness (g = 0.63; g = 0.61), shortening fraction (g = 0.54), and ejection fraction (g = 0.68).
Conclusion: As a preliminary study, telerehabilitation is favorable to promote a moderate clinical improvement of some cardiac morphofunctional parameters and reduce blood pressure in hypertensive older adults.
Keywords: Telerehabilitation; blood pressure; cardiac structure and function; cardiology; elderly; randomised controlled trial; telehealth.