The Influence Of Moderate Physical Activity (brisk Walk) On Blood Pressure In Students Of The Faculty Of Medicine, University Of North Sumatra

The Influence of Moderate Physical Activity (Brisk Walk) on Blood Pressure in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a systolic pressure of more than 140 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of more than 90 mmHg. The prevalence of hypertension has been increasing, and it is often associated with a lack of physical activity. Regular physical activity is essential to maintain blood pressure stability, and resistance training, such as fast walking, has the potential to reduce blood pressure by reducing systemic vascular resistance. In this article, we will discuss the influence of moderate physical activity, specifically brisk walking, on blood pressure in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

High blood pressure is a condition that can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The risk factors for hypertension include age, family history, obesity, and physical inactivity. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of developing hypertension and to lower blood pressure in individuals with existing hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate physical activity, specifically brisk walking, on blood pressure in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra. The study aimed to identify whether there is an influence of physical activity on decreased blood pressure in students.

This study used a Quasi Experimental design with One Group Pretest-Postest Design. The sample consisted of 24 respondents who carried out moderate activities, in the form of fast walking for two weeks. The participants were students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, who were between the ages of 18 and 25. The participants were randomly selected and were not aware of the purpose of the study. The participants were asked to walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes, three times a week, for two weeks. The blood pressure measurements were taken before and after the intervention period.

The results of the study showed a significant decrease in blood pressure after the intervention period. The average systolic blood pressure of the respondents before the intervention was 124.58 mmHg with a standard deviation of 9,545. After the intervention, the average systolic blood pressure dropped to 117.08 mmHg with a standard deviation of 8,836. The average diastolic blood pressure before the intervention was 82.7 mmHg with a standard deviation of 5,311, and after the intervention, the average diastolic blood pressure became 77.5 mmHg with a standard deviation of 4,170. The results of the analysis showed a significant effect between fast road activity and decreased blood pressure, indicated by the P value for systolic blood pressure (0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (0.001). A decrease in systolic blood pressure was recorded at 7.5 mmHg and diastolic of 5.2 mmHg.

The results of this study suggest that moderate physical activity, specifically brisk walking, has a significant effect on decreasing blood pressure in students. The study found a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after the intervention period. The results of this study are consistent with previous research that has shown that regular physical activity can reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

In conclusion, this study found that moderate physical activity, specifically brisk walking, has a significant effect on decreasing blood pressure in students. The study suggests that regular physical activity can be an effective way to prevent hypertension and to maintain blood pressure stability. The results of this study are consistent with previous research that has shown the benefits of regular physical activity on cardiovascular health. Therefore, it is recommended that students engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, to maintain their physical and mental health.

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

• Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, should be incorporated into the daily routine of students to maintain blood pressure stability.
• Students should aim to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.
• Students should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.
• Students should monitor their blood pressure regularly to ensure that it remains within a healthy range.

This study had several limitations. The sample size was small, and the study was conducted in a single institution. The study only measured blood pressure and did not assess other cardiovascular risk factors. The study did not control for other factors that may have influenced the results, such as diet and stress levels.

Future research should aim to replicate this study with a larger sample size and in different populations. The study should also assess other cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipid profiles and glucose levels. The study should also investigate the long-term effects of regular physical activity on blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

• American Heart Association. (2017). Physical Activity and Health.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). High Blood Pressure.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Physical Activity.
  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Moderate Physical Activity (Brisk Walk) on Blood Pressure in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

Q: What is the purpose of this study? A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of moderate physical activity, specifically brisk walking, on blood pressure in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

Q: What is the significance of this study? A: This study is significant because it highlights the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining blood pressure stability and preventing hypertension. The results of this study can inform public health policies and guidelines for promoting physical activity among students.

Q: What is the sample size of this study? A: The sample size of this study is 24 respondents who carried out moderate activities, in the form of fast walking for two weeks.

Q: What is the duration of the intervention period? A: The intervention period is two weeks, during which the participants walked at a brisk pace for 30 minutes, three times a week.

Q: What are the results of this study? A: The results of this study show a significant decrease in blood pressure after the intervention period. The average systolic blood pressure of the respondents before the intervention was 124.58 mmHg, and after the intervention, it dropped to 117.08 mmHg. The average diastolic blood pressure before the intervention was 82.7 mmHg, and after the intervention, it became 77.5 mmHg.

Q: What are the implications of this study? A: The implications of this study are that regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, can be an effective way to prevent hypertension and maintain blood pressure stability. The study suggests that students should engage in regular physical activity to maintain their physical and mental health.

Q: What are the limitations of this study? A: The limitations of this study include a small sample size and the fact that the study was conducted in a single institution. The study only measured blood pressure and did not assess other cardiovascular risk factors.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study? A: The recommendations of this study are that students should engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, to maintain blood pressure stability and prevent hypertension. Students should aim to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.

Q: What are the future research directions of this study? A: Future research should aim to replicate this study with a larger sample size and in different populations. The study should also assess other cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipid profiles and glucose levels. The study should also investigate the long-term effects of regular physical activity on blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

Q: What are the practical applications of this study? A: The practical applications of this study are that it can inform public health policies and guidelines for promoting physical activity among students. The study can also be used to develop interventions and programs to promote physical activity and prevent hypertension among students.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study? A: The potential benefits of this study are that it can contribute to the development of effective interventions and programs to promote physical activity and prevent hypertension among students. The study can also inform public health policies and guidelines for promoting physical activity among students.

Q: What are the potential limitations of this study? A: The potential limitations of this study are that it may not be generalizable to other populations, and the study may not have controlled for other factors that may have influenced the results, such as diet and stress levels.