BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with physiological changes, such as increased blood pressure (BP), which is the main risk fac tor for cardiovascular diseases. Aquatic exercises, such as water aerobics and deep-water running, are low-impact alternatives; however, consistent evidence regarding their specific effects on BP in older women is lacking. AIM: The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of 12-weeks of aquatic training on BP in untrained older women. METHODS: Seventy-four women (*60 years) were allocated into the following groups: water aerobics (WA, n=25), deep-water running (DWR, n=25), and control group (CG, n=24). The intervention was conducted twice a week for 45 minutes, with progressive intensity based on the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). Systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean BP (MBP), resting heart rate (RHR), and rate-pressure product (RPP) were analyzed. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, there was a significant reduction in RPP (p=0.014) and a group effect on DBP (p=0.035). Although no statistical differences were observed compared to the control group, the exercise groups (water aerobics and deep water running) showed clinically relevant improvements in BP and heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: Aquatic training (water aerobics and deep water running) maintained cardiovascular variables, with a reduction observed only in the RPP, and no differences compared to the control group. Nevertheless, the delta values indicated clinically relevant changes in SBP, DBP, and HR in the exercise groups, suggesting possible cardiovascular benefits even without statistical significance
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