A Longitudinal Evaluation of a Mind–Body Slow Deep Breathing Intervention for Blood Pressure Control in Older Adults with Hypertension

Ady Waluya, Muhammad Ilyasa Tahrim

Abstract


Introduction: Hypertension is highly prevalent among older adults and often remains inadequately controlled despite pharmacological treatment, particularly in community and primary care settings. Low-cost, non-pharmacological interventions that support long-term self-management are increasingly recommended. Slow deep breathing, a mind–body intervention targeting autonomic regulation, has shown potential to reduce blood pressure, but longitudinal evidence among older adults remains limited.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the longitudinal association between a structured slow deep breathing intervention and changes in blood pressure and quality of life among older adults with hypertension.

Methods: A longitudinal repeated-measures quasi-experimental study with a comparison group was conducted among community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years with hypertension. Participants were allocated to either a slow deep breathing intervention group or a standard hypertension education group using a non-random allocation approach. The intervention consisted of guided slow deep breathing practiced daily for four weeks. Blood pressure and quality of life (WHOQOL-OLD) were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate group-by-time interactions while adjusting for baseline values and antihypertensive medication use.

Results: Sixty-eight participants completed the study (intervention n = 34; comparison n = 34). Compared with the comparison group, the intervention group showed greater reductions in systolic (β = −6.82, 95% CI −10.23 to −3.41, p < .001) and diastolic blood pressure (β = −3.94, 95% CI −6.31 to −1.57, p = .002), along with greater improvements in quality of life (β = 3.26, 95% CI 1.54–4.98, p < .001)..

Conclusion: Participation in structured slow deep breathing was associated with improved blood pressure control and quality of life. Further randomized studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and causal relationships.

 


Keywords


hypertension; older adults; slow deep breathing; mind–body intervention; blood pressure; quality of life; longitudinal study

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/jpki.v12i1.97070

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