International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9096
ISSN: 2329-9096
Imtiyaz Ali Mir
Universiti Tunku Abdul rahman, Malaysia
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Int J Phys Med Rehabil
Statement of the Problem: Elevated blood pressure (BP) in early adulthood is a clinically significant predictor for development of hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity. Physically inactive individuals with elevated BP represent a particularly vulnerable population, as sedentary behavior exacerbates autonomic imbalance, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular stiffness, thereby accelerating the progression toward established hypertension. Early implementation of non-pharmacological interventions targeting modifiable lifestyle factors is therefore essential to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risk. Among such strategies, mindfulness-based intervention and aerobic exercise have independently demonstrated beneficial effects on BP regulation and resting heart rate (RHR). Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, attenuate stress-induced hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activation, and improve vascular reactivity. Similarly, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise enhances endothelial function, promotes nitric oxide bioavailability, and improves autonomic balance through increased parasympathetic tone. Despite the established efficacy of these interventions in isolation, there remains limited empirical evidence examining their combined application, termed mental and physical training (MAPT). The potential synergistic effect of integrating mindfulness practices with aerobic conditioning may confer superior cardiovascular benefits by concurrently targeting psychological stress and physiological deconditioning. However, data investigating MAPT in young adults with elevated BP are sparse. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MAPT on systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and RHR in physically inactive young adults with elevated BP.
Dr. Imtiyaz Ali Mir is a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia, with over 18 years of experience in physiotherapy, academia, and clinical practice. His expertise includes cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, cardiovascular health, and lifestyle-based interventions. He has authored 22 peer-reviewed publications and actively contributes to research, teaching, and international conferences in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.