Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of relaxation technique as an adjunctive therapy for control of
Hypertension.
Methods: From April 2004 to January 2005, with a single blind randomized controlled design, 220
patients with newly diagnosed moderate to severe hypertension who needed drug therapy, were
included in the study. Patients were systematically randomized to receive standard plus relaxation
therapy (cases), two times per week, for eight weeks, or standard therapy alone (controls).
Demographic data, BP measurements and the data on prescribed drugs were collected.
Results: Mean age of patients was 54 and 56 years in the case and the control groups, respectively.
Mean BP level (systolic and diastolic) was 192.86/105.16 and 192.09/102.25 mmHg on admission in
the case and the control groups, which decreased to 133.46/81.48 and 146.21/83.57 mmHg,
respectively, at the end of study. The difference of BP on admission was not statistically significant,
but became significant at the end of the study. Fifty nine percent in the case group and 36% in the
control group had good control of blood pressure.
Conclusion: Relaxation therapy on the background of standard antihypertensive drug treatment results
in better control of blood pressure. (Rawal Medical J 2007;32:120-124).
Key words: Hypertension, Relaxation technique, blood pressure.
|
