Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise physical education on blood pressure in high-risk, predominantly African-American, adolescent girls.
Methods: Ninth-grade girls (n = 99) with blood pressure above the 67th percentile were randomized to 1 semester of aerobic exercise classes or standard physical education classes.
Result: The study was completed by 88 girls. At posttest, only members of the aerobic exercise group increased their estimated cardiorespiratory fitness. The aerobic exercise group had a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure than the standard physical education group (P < .03).
Conclusions: Aerobic exercise physical education is a feasible and effective health promotion strategy for high-risk adolescent girls.