Background: Device-guided slow breathing (DGSB) exercises are gaining attention as a potential non-invasive method to manage hypertension. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a DGSB intervention in reducing blood pressure among hypertensive clients in the Gajuwaka community, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a non-randomized control group design. Sixty hypertensive individuals, aged over 30 years, were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Participants were divided into Experimental (n=30) and Control (n=30) groups. The Experimental group underwent DGSB exercises using Kinetic RESPeRATE blood pressure lowering device for three days while the Control group received usual care. Demographic and lifestyle variables were recorded, and pre- and post-test blood pressure measurements were taken. Independent t Tests and Paired t Tests were used to analyze the data.

Results: Both groups were similar in age, gender, marital status, and income levels, but differed in religious composition and hypertension history. Pre-test systolic and diastolic blood pressures were comparable between groups. Post-test measurements revealed significant reductions in the Experimental group’s mean systolic BP (from 151.0 to 126.0 mmHg) and diastolic BP (from 97.3 to 83.0 mmHg) compared to the Control group, whose BP changes were not significant. The Independent t Test showed significant differences in post-test systolic (t=-5.894, p<0.001) and diastolic BP (t=-3.833, p<0.001) between the groups. The Paired t Test confirmed significant reductions in both systolic (t=15.903, p<0.001) and diastolic BP (t=10.785, p<0.001) within the Experimental group, while the Control group showed no significant changes.

Discussion: The results demonstrate that DGSB exercises effectively reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. These findings align with previous research by Wang et al., which highlighted the efficacy of DGSB in decreasing blood pressure and improving baroreflex sensitivity. However, our study did not measure inflammatory markers, limiting direct comparisons on this aspect.

Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence that DGSB exercises significantly reduce blood pressure, supporting their potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for hypertension management. Future research should explore long-term effects, mechanisms of action, and potential benefits of combining DGSB with other treatments to enhance cardiovascular health.

Keywords: Device-guided slow breathing, Hypertension management, Blood pressure reduction, non-pharmacological intervention, Cardiovascular health.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

Background: Device-guided slow breathing (DGSB) exercises are gaining attention as a potential non-invasive method to manage hypertension. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a DGSB intervention in reducing blood pressure among hypertensive clients in the Gajuwaka community, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a non-randomized control group design. Sixty hypertensive individuals, aged over 30 years, were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Participants were divided into Experimental (n=30) and Control (n=30) groups. The Experimental group underwent DGSB exercises using Kinetic RESPeRATE blood pressure lowering device for three days while the Control group received usual care. Demographic and lifestyle variables were recorded, and pre- and post-test blood pressure measurements were taken. Independent t Tests and Paired t Tests were used to analyze the data.

Results: Both groups were similar in age, gender, marital status, and income levels, but differed in religious composition and hypertension history. Pre-test systolic and diastolic blood pressures were comparable between groups. Post-test measurements revealed significant reductions in the Experimental group’s mean systolic BP (from 151.0 to 126.0 mmHg) and diastolic BP (from 97.3 to 83.0 mmHg) compared to the Control group, whose BP changes were not significant. The Independent t Test showed significant differences in post-test systolic (t=-5.894, p<0.001) and diastolic BP (t=-3.833, p<0.001) between the groups. The Paired t Test confirmed significant reductions in both systolic (t=15.903, p<0.001) and diastolic BP (t=10.785, p<0.001) within the Experimental group, while the Control group showed no significant changes.

Discussion: The results demonstrate that DGSB exercises effectively reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. These findings align with previous research by Wang et al., which highlighted the efficacy of DGSB in decreasing blood pressure and improving baroreflex sensitivity. However, our study did not measure inflammatory markers, limiting direct comparisons on this aspect.

Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence that DGSB exercises significantly reduce blood pressure, supporting their potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for hypertension management. Future research should explore long-term effects, mechanisms of action, and potential benefits of combining DGSB with other treatments to enhance cardiovascular health.

Keywords: Device-guided slow breathing, Hypertension management, Blood pressure reduction, non-pharmacological intervention, Cardiovascular health.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.