Effect of walking and breathing exercises on controlling hypertension

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to examine the effect of walking and breathing exercises on controlling hypertension. Methods: A convenience sample of 90 adults patients with a diagnosis of first stage hypertension were randomly and alternatively divided into three equal groups [30] for each group Study group [I] performed walking exercise for 30 minutes/five times weekly plus 15 minutes breathing exercise, while study group [2] walking exercise was done for 45 minutes/ three times weekly plus 15 minutes breathing exercise. Control group [3] comprised of 30 patients and exposed to routine hospital care. The study has been conducted at outpatient clinic of Shebin El- kom Menoufiya University and Shebin El- kom Teaching Hospitals in Menoufiya governorate. Quasi Experimental design was used in this study. Data was collected using five developed tools. 1. Socio demographic and clinical data structured interview schedule. 2. Knowledge assessment, structured interview schedule. 3. Physiological measurement. 4. Nutritional assessment. 5. Evaluation of compliance. Results: findings revealed that the blood pressure declined progressively over time for both studied groups compared to control group, but it was significantly reduced for group II who were followed walking exercise for 45 minutes / 3 days weekly for a period of 8 weeks followed by breathing exercise 15 minutes. At the same time it revealed a statistical significance differences between both studied groups compared to control group regarding the laboratory results such as cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein levels. Also as expected, group II showed a major improvement of their laboratory results than group I. and control group. The current study concluded in general, walking and breathing exercise are beneficial in reducing blood pressure measurement and improving laboratory results. But it strongly recommended walk for 45 minutes / 3 days weekly plus breathing exercise 15 minutes for patients with first stage hypertension