Controlled trial of biofeedback-aided behavioural methods in reducing mild hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Behavioral Medicine
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Coronary risk factors are prevalent in industrial workforces.
• Hypertension management often requires multifaceted approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback-based stress management training on blood pressure in employees with coronary risk factors.
• To assess the long-term impact of behavioral interventions on cardiovascular health indicators.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 204 employees (aged 35-64) with at least two coronary risk factors.
• Intervention group received biofeedback training in relaxation and stress management; control group received health literature.
• Blood pressure, plasma renin activity, and plasma aldosterone were measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 8 months.

Main Results:

• The biofeedback group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
• Reductions in plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration were more pronounced in the biofeedback group at 8 weeks.
• Blood pressure improvements in the biofeedback group persisted for up to 8 months post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Relaxation-based biofeedback is an effective behavioral method for reducing blood pressure in individuals with mild hypertension and coronary risk factors.
• These findings support the integration of behavioral therapies as a primary treatment for mild hypertension.
• Biofeedback interventions show potential for long-term cardiovascular risk reduction in occupational settings.