Treatment of hypertension with biofeedback and relaxation techniques

The present study describes a 16-week trial of the use of a combination of biofeedback and relaxation techniques for the treatment of hypertension. Twenty-two hypertensive patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) diastolic blood pressure feedback, electromyographic feedback, and verbal relaxation; (2) sham blood pressure feedback; and (3) no treatment. For the 14 patients completing active treatment during an initial or crossover period, the average changes in blood pressure as measured outside the laboratory were minimal (0/-1 and +1/0 mm Hg, supine and standing, respectively). Average blood pressure reduction in the laboratory was no greater with active than with sham blood pressure feedback (-3/-2 vs. -5/-2 mm Hg). One subject, however, after showing no change in blood pressure during sham feedback, achieved pronounced and prolonged improvement following active treatment. Overall results do not support the usefulness of these techniques as primary therapy in most hypertensives.