Association between Health-Related Physical Fitness and Incident Hypertension among the Elderly in Wuhan: A Seven-Year Cohort Study

Aim: The purpose of this study is to establish robust epidemiological evidence regarding the association between various dimensions of HRPT and hypertension. Methods: A 7 years large-scale cohort study were conducted. The baseline survey was conducted in 2015, with participants aged 65 or above from Wuhan city. The follow-up for this study was conducted as part of the annual physical examination survey for elderly individuals in Wuhan City, with outcome follow-ups conducted in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. Chi-square test and multivariate cox regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship. Results: 695 people's hypertension status have tracked, the incidence of hypertension is 36.4%. The patients are significantly weak in chair sit-and-reach (2.60±0.89 VS 2.8±1.13, P=0.028), 30 seconds arm curl (2.13±1.16 VS 2.26±0.93, P=0.024) , and stronger in back scratch (3.53±1.05 VS 3.74, P=0.009), better 30 seconds chair stand (β:-0.155, HR:0.86, 95%CI: 0.74-0.99, P<0.05) and back scratch (β:-0.140, HR:0.87, 95%CI: 0.77-0.97, P<0.05) abilities shown as protective factors of hypertension. Conclusions: Better lower muscle strength and up body flexibility are protective factors of hypertension. To decrease the hypertension incidence, elder people were recommended to perform exercises targeting these two dimensions.