Community-based randomized controlled trial of non-pharmacological interventions in prevention and control of hypertension among young adults

• Main Authors: Saptharishi L (Author), Soudarssanane M (Author), Thiruselvakumar D (Author), Navasakthi D (Author), Mathanraj S (Author), Karthigeyan M (Author), Sahai A (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 0970-0218; 1998-3581
• Keywords: Community-based randomized controlled trial; hypertension; relative efficacies; physical exercise; salt intake reduction; yoga; young adults; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Indian Journal of Community Medicine, Vol 34, Iss 4, Pp 329-334 (2009)

<b>Context</b> : Hypertension is a major chronic lifestyle disease. Several non-pharmacological interventions are effective in bringing down the blood pressure (BP). This study focuses on the effectiveness of such interventions among young adults.<b> Aims</b> : To measure the efficacy of physical exercise, reduction in salt intake, and yoga, in lowering BP among young<b> </b> (20-25) pre-hypertensives and hypertensives, and to compare their relative efficacies. <b> Settings and Design:</b> The study was done in the urban service area of JIPMER<b> . </b> Pre-hypertensives and hypertensives, identified from previous studies, constituted the universe. The participants were randomized into one control and three interventional groups.<b> Materials and Methods:</b> A total of 113<b> </b> subjects: 30, 28, 28 and 27 in four groups respectively participated for eight weeks: control (I), physical exercise (II) - brisk walking for 50-60 minutes, four days/week, salt intake reduction (III) - to at least half of their previous intake, and practice of yoga (IV) - for 30-45 minutes/day on at least five days/week. <b> Statistical Analysis Used:</b> Efficacy was assessed using paired t test and ANOVA with Games Howell post hoc test. An intention to treat analysis was also performed. <b> Results</b> : A total of 102 participants (29, 27, 25 and 21 in groups I, II, III and IV) completed the study. All three intervention groups showed a significant reduction in BP (SBP/DBP: 5.3/6.0 in group II, 2.6/3.7 in III, and 2.0/2.6 mm Hg in IV respectively). There was no significant change (SBP/DBP: 0.2/0.5 mmHg) of BP in control group (I). Physical exercise was most effective (considered individually); salt intake reduction and yoga were also effective. <b> Conclusions</b> : Physical exercise, salt intake reduction, and yoga are effective non-pharmacological interventions in significantly reducing BP among young hypertensives and pre-hypertensives. These can therefore be positively recommended for hypertensives. There is also a case to deploy these interventions in the general population.