Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso announced on March 26 that a six-week boxing training program can significantly lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function in young adults with elevated blood pressure or Stage 1 hypertension.
The findings are important because high blood pressure is a major contributor to heart disease, stroke, and early death. Many young adults may not know they have early-stage hypertension, making accessible interventions valuable.
Alvaro Gurovich, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Movement Sciences at UTEP, said, “Hypertension is a primary contributor to heart disease, stroke and premature death, and many young adults who are in the early stages of the condition are not aware that they have it. These findings could reshape how clinicians approach one of the world’s most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors.”
The study was published in the journal Sports. It is reported as the first randomized controlled trial to examine boxing training’s effects on cardiovascular health in this group. Twenty-four participants around age 25 were randomly assigned to either a boxing group or a control group for six weeks. The boxing group completed three weekly sessions involving ten three-minute rounds with rest periods; the control group did flexibility and balance exercises on the same schedule.
By the end of six weeks, those in the boxing group saw their systolic blood pressure drop by an average of 16 mmHg and diastolic by 10 mmHg—levels comparable to or greater than what medication usually achieves. Central systolic blood pressure also fell significantly.
Scott Kruse, Ph.D., dean of UTEP’s College of Health Sciences said, “This research exemplifies the kind of applied, patient-centered science that defines our college. Dr. Gurovich and his colleagues have produced evidence with real clinical relevance, demonstrating that an accessible, engaging form of exercise can move the needle on a condition that affects millions of people.”
Beyond lowering blood pressure, participants showed improved endothelial function—the ability for vessels to regulate flow—in both arms and legs. Gurovich said: “What we’re showing is that boxing training is not just a fun workout; it can actually change how your blood vessels work… That directly translates into a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. For young people who are already on a path toward hypertension, this could be a powerful and sustainable alternative to starting a lifetime of medication.”
The authors noted future studies should explore whether these benefits extend to older populations or those taking up boxing outside controlled settings.
