Evaluate The Immediate Effect Of Slow Breathing Exercise On Blood Pressure Among Patients With Hypertension Admitted At Selected Hospitals Of Rajkot

Abstract

Hypertension, often referred to as the "silent killer," is a leading chronic condition affecting global public health due to its asymptomatic nature and its association with serious complications such as coronary artery disease, stroke, retinopathy, and renal failure. The prevalence of hypertension continues to rise, necessitating effective, low-cost, non-pharmacological interventions. This study employed a quasi-experimental design utilizing a pre-test and post-test control group approach to evaluate the effectiveness of slow breathing techniques in reducing blood pressure among hypertensive patients. A total of 60 participants were selected through purposive sampling and divided equally into experimental and control groups. The research was conducted in the hospital wards of KDP Hospital Atkot, Rajkot. Data were collected using observation and interview methods, and a structured program teaching slow breathing techniques was administered to the experimental group.

Results indicated a reduction in diastolic blood pressure in the experimental group, with a mean value decreasing from 91.6 mm Hg pre-intervention to 90 mm Hg post-intervention—a mean difference of 1.6 mm Hg. Conversely, the control group experienced a slight increase in diastolic pressure from 93.3 mm Hg to 94.4 mm Hg. Statistical analysis showed no significant change in the experimental group (t = 1.334, p > 0.05), while the control group showed a significant increase (t = -2.898, p < 0.05). The findings suggest that while the change in the experimental group was not statistically significant, slow breathing may contribute to lowering blood pressure and could be used as a supportive measure in hypertension management. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.