Treatment of Hypertension with Biofeedback and Relaxation Techniques

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Abstract
A 16-wk trial of the use of a combination of biofeedback and relaxation techniques for the treatment of hypertension was described. Hypertensive patients (22) were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: diastolic blood pressure feedback, electromyographic feedback, and verbal relaxation; sham blood pressure feedback; and no treatment. For the 14 patients completing active treatment during an initial or crossover period, the average changes in blood pressure [BP] as measured outside the laboratory were minimal (0/-1 and +1/0 mm Hg, supine and standing, respectively). Average BP reduction in the laboratory was no greater with active than with sham BP feedback (-3/-2 vs. -5/-2 mm Hg). One subject, after showing no change in BP during sham feedback, achieved pronounced and prolonged improvement following active treatment. The usefulness of these techniques as primary therapy in most hypertensives was not supported.