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Research: YUCHA and co-authors,
Listed in Issue 119
Abstract
YUCHA and co-authors, School of Nursing, University of Nevada—Las Vegas, 89154, USA, carolyn.yucha@ccmail.nevada.eduu, have assessed who is most likely to benefit from biofeedback training for high blood pressure.
Background
The aim of this study was to develop a way to predict which persons with essential hypertension would benefit most from biofeedback-assisted relaxation (BFAR) training.
Methodology
54 adults with stage 1 or 2 hypertension (78% taking BP medications) received 8 weeks of relaxation training coupled with thermal, electromyographic, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia biofeedback. Blood pressure was measured in the clinic and over 24 hours using an ambulatory BP monitor pre and post training.
Results
The participants' blood pressure dropped by a small but statistically significant amount during the training period. Data from 37 participants with baseline BP of 130/85 mmHg or greater were used to develop a prediction model. Regression showed that those who did best with the training programme were (1) not taking antihypertensive medication, (2) had lowest starting finger temperature, (3) had the smallest standard deviation in daytime mean arterial pressure, and (4) the lowest score on the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control-internal scale (which means that at the start of the programme they felt least in control of their blood pressure).
Conclusion
People with the characteristics described above should be offered biofeedback-assisted relaxation training.
References
Yucha CB, Tsai PS, Calderon KS, Tian L. Biofeedback-assisted relaxation training for essential hypertension: who is most likely to benefit? Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing 20 (3): 198-205, May-Jun 2005.
