Pilot study: Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique is Effective in Lowering Systolic Blood Pressure Compared with Slow Breathing Technique in Young Adult with Prehypertension

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Published: Aug 16, 2016
Keywords:
Prehypertension Slow breathing Diaphragmatic breathing Systolic blood pressure

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Chutipong Termpetch
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Srinakharinwirot University
Suwat Jitdamrong
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Srinakharinwirot University
Mean Promontri
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Srinakharinwirot University
Suvira Wongchuen
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Srinakharinwirot University
Onuma Thantongdee
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Srinakharinwirot University
Prapawadee Pirompol
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Srinakharinwirot University

Abstract

Background: Breathing exercise has been well received alternative intervention to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension and prehypertension. However, the efficiency between slow breathing exercise and diaphragmatic breathing exercise in patients with prehypertension remain inconclusive.


Objectives: To compare the efficiency between slow breathing and diaphragmatic breathing techniques in lowering blood pressure in patients with prehypertension.


Methods: This study was Quasi-experimental design with double blind control trial. Twenty-seven subjects (ages 18-22 years) with pre-hypertension (SBP: 120-139 mmHg; DBP: 80-89 mmHg) were divided into three intervention groups; slow breathing at 6 beat per minute (n=9), diaphragmatic breathing at 6 beat per minute (n=9) and control (n=9) groups. We evaluated the changes of  all non-invasive blood pressure parameters; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), and Srithanya stress scale (ST-5) after acute phase and two weeks of breathing training.


Results: SBP in diaphragmatic breathing group was lower than in control group both acute phase (p = 0.02) and after two weeks of training (p = 0.006). No statistically differences in other parameters were found in diaphragmatic and slow breathing groups compared to control group.


Conclusion: Diaphragmatic breathing is more effective in lowering SBP than in slow breathing exercise in pre-hypertensive subjects aged 18-22 years old in both acute phase and after two weeks of training.

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Termpetch C, Jitdamrong S, Promontri M, Wongchuen S, Thantongdee O, Pirompol P. Pilot study: Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique is Effective in Lowering Systolic Blood Pressure Compared with Slow Breathing Technique in Young Adult with Prehypertension. Thai J Phys Ther [internet]. 2016 Aug. 16 [cited 2026 Jan. 4];38(2):81-92. available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tjpt/article/view/113640
Issue
Vol. 38 No. 2 (2016): May-August 2016
Section
Research Articles

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