Participating in Team Sports Can Reduce Blood Pressure and Enhance Physical Function in Patients with Chronic Illnesses

Recent research from the University of Copenhagen highlights the significant health benefits of engaging in team sports for individuals with high blood pressure and chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD. The study demonstrated that even a short-term, structured team sports program can lead to notable improvements in blood pressure levels and physical performance. Over a 12-week period, participants took part in activities like floorball and cone ball at a municipal health center twice a week, under professional supervision.

The results were promising: systolic blood pressure, the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts, decreased by an average of 10–12 mmHg. This reduction is substantial, considering that lowering systolic pressure by just 10 mmHg can decrease the risk of stroke by up to 30% and reduce the chances of cardiovascular disease and early mortality by around 20%. Participants also experienced increased mobility and speed during functional walking tests. Importantly, the exercise was perceived as enjoyable and social, which likely contributed to better adherence compared to traditional forms of fitness routines.

While measurements of body weight and muscle strength showed no significant change, the blood pressure improvements highlight the cardiovascular benefits of team sports. Study assistant Jesper Atti expressed surprise at how quickly participants achieved these results, emphasizing the potential of team sports as an effective intervention.

The social and motivational aspects played a crucial role in maintaining engagement. Participants reported that the communal experience and fun nature of the activities fostered motivation, with many continuing to play team sports even after the program concluded. The initiative was overseen by a physical therapist who monitored progress closely, and the success of this intervention suggests that incorporating team sports into municipal healthcare services can be a powerful supplement to traditional treatment for chronic disease patients.

The study advocates for broader use of team sports in rehabilitation programs, encouraging continued participation through local sports clubs and evening schools. Such approaches could significantly improve quality of life, physical function, and reduce disease-related risks in this vulnerable population.

For more information, see the original study: Jesper Atti et al, "12 Weeks of Supervised Team Sports in Danish Municipal Health Center Lowers Systolic Blood Pressure and Increases Performance in Hypertensive Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients," Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 2025. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-team-sports-blood-pressure-function.html