Six Weeks of Boxing Training Lowers Blood Pressure and Improves Vascular Function in Young Men and Women with Elevated Blood Pressure or Stage 1 Hypertension

(1) Background: Early stages of hypertension, including elevated blood pressure and stage 1 hypertension, are known to increase cardiovascular risk and mortality. Exercise is widely recommended for blood pressure management; however, the optimal exercise modality and the underlying vascular mechanisms remain uncertain. (2) Methods: This study investigated the effects of boxing training on clinical and vascular parameters in young adults with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension. Twenty-four participants (mean age 25.4 ± 4.9 years) were randomly assigned to a boxing training group or a control group. Over six weeks, the intervention group performed boxing training three times per week, consisting of ten three-minute rounds interspersed with one-minute rests, while controls completed flexibility and balance exercises. (3) Results: Boxing training produced significant group-by-time interactions for peripheral and central blood pressure, endothelial function, and carotid artery structure. Reductions were observed in systolic (~16 mmHg) and diastolic (~10 mmHg) blood pressure and in central systolic pressure (~mmHg). Vascular function improved, as indicated by greater brachial and popliteal flow-mediated dilation and increased forearm and calf blood flow, accompanied by enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability and reduced inflammation. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that boxing training is an effective and time-efficient exercise modality for improving vascular health and managing early hypertension in young adults.