Team Sports Intervention in Hypertensive Patients with COPD and Diabetes

A 12-week community-based team sports program significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and improved physical function in patients with both hypertension and chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to a recent study conducted in Denmark.

This real-world, non-randomized study enrolled 28 previously inactive patients referred by their physicians. Participants included 16 individuals with T2DM and 12 with COPD, all of whom had hypertension at baseline. Over the course of three months, 75% of their exercise sessions involved team sports, while the remaining 25% consisted of circuit-based strength training.

After the 12-week program, mean systolic blood pressure dropped by 7.5% (p = 0.006), translating to an average reduction of 11.3 mmHg. This included a 9.6 mmHg drop in the COPD group and a 12.4 mmHg reduction in the T2DM group. Diastolic blood pressure, however, did not show a statistically significant change.

These reductions are comparable to those seen in structured clinical trials of aerobic exercise but were achieved here in a low-threshold, socially engaging setting. For context, prior studies using traditional training modalities in T2DM and COPD patients—such as cycling or moderate-intensity interval training—have often failed to elicit meaningful blood pressure changes.

The authors emphasize that the magnitude of systolic reduction holds clinical importance, with meta-analytic data showing a 10 mmHg decrease is associated with a 30–40% lower risk of cardiovascular events and stroke mortality.

Patients also demonstrated enhanced mobility. The time required to complete the 2.45-meter “Up and Go” test decreased by 7.5% overall (p < 0.001), with significant improvements in both COPD and T2DM subgroups. Additionally, T2DM patients increased their six-minute walking distance by an average of 19 meters (p = 0.04), although the COPD group’s gains in walking distance were not statistically significant.

No meaningful improvements were observed in muscle endurance or strength metrics, such as chair stands, handgrip strength, or biceps curls. The researchers attribute this to the relatively low volume of resistance training included and the lack of progressive overload typically used in structured resistance programs.

Unlike traditional lab-based interventions, this study was integrated into a municipal health center’s offerings, making it more accessible to older adults with chronic diseases. Participants were guided by trained facilitators and played in condition-specific groups, which allowed for tailored pacing and modifications. For example, individuals with lower-limb limitations could participate from a seated position early in the program.

Notably, many participants chose to continue playing team sports independently after the study ended, suggesting strong adherence potential. Interviews revealed that the social component played a critical role in sustaining motivation. One participant remarked, “It has been fantastic... you really get to move,” while another appreciated the “elevated heart rate” during gameplay.

These findings underscore the potential for socially engaging, group-based physical activity programs to address both physiological and behavioral components of chronic disease management. Given the common challenge of maintaining exercise adherence in this population, team sports may offer an appealing and sustainable alternative to traditional regimens.

However, the study had limitations, including its non-randomized design and lack of a control group. Moreover, the concurrent use of circuit training makes it difficult to isolate the effects of team sports alone. Still, the improvements in systolic blood pressure and mobility are difficult to attribute to lifestyle factors alone, particularly given the magnitude and consistency of the changes.

As healthcare systems increasingly emphasize community-based prevention, this study provides compelling support for integrating recreational sports into chronic care pathways—particularly for patients managing multiple conditions like hypertension, COPD, and diabetes.