Statistical analysis:
The efficacy of the intervention will be assessed by comparing the differences between groups at follow-up, adjusted for the outcome baseline values, systolic blood pressure, maximum oxygen consumption and age (ANCOVA).
Intention-to-treat approach will be the main analysis. The missing data will be imputed by using multiple linear regression.
A per protocol analysis will also be performed (intervention group: attendance of at least 62.5% of the training sessions; control group: participants that did not engage in regular and supervised physical exercise or had an increase in dose or number of antihypertensive medication).
The significance level will be set at 5%.
Randomization:
Stratified by baseline systolic blood pressure and maximum oxygen consumption.
Contingency plan:
If the recruitment rate is below than expected, potential measures are to include: i) 30-35- and 60-65-year-old participants; ii) participants with pre-hypertension or uncontrolled hypertension.
