[Purpose] Most
exercise therapy procedures induce hemodynamic changes and could be a cardiovascular risk. This pilot study investigated factors that induce an exaggerated increase in blood pressure during
exercise therapy. [Participants and Methods] We measured the blood pressure and pulse rate before and after
exercise therapy for ambulation on days 1, 2, and 7 of the
exercise therapy in patients (n=23; age, 69 ± 11 years) who were hospitalized for a
stroke or an
orthopedic surgery. [Results] Each participant's blood pressure and pulse rate were significantly increased after the
exercise therapy. Regression analysis demonstrated that the increase in systolic blood pressure was independently predicted by
body weight and pulse rate before the
exercise therapy. In the logistic regression analysis, age and
body weight were independent predictors of the exaggerated increase in systolic blood pressure (fourth quartile). [Conclusion] A significant increase in blood pressure was induced by
exercise therapy. There was a correlation between systolic blood pressure increase and pulse rate before the
exercise therapy. Old age or increased
body weight predicts exaggerated increase in blood pressure during
exercise therapy.