Effects of Walking and Relaxation Exercises on Controlling Hypertension Guler Balci Alparslan and Nuran Akdemir Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society March 2010 Volume 16 Issue 1

Purpose Evaluate effects of walking and relaxation exercises on primary and resistant hypertension

Methods Subjects aged 18-65, taking hypertensive meds for 1 month, BMI between week Intervention Blood Pressure Monitoring – Twice daily for 12 weeks Relaxation Exercises and Walking Program – Deep breathing and relaxation exercises once a day – Walk 45 min. 3X’s/week

Results SBP decreased mmHg; DBP decreased 7mmHg Anxiety levels decreased Results show interventions effective on primary and resistant hypertension conditions No lifestyle changes found in terms of cigarette use, alcohol use, etc.

Discussion Inadequate exercise, stress, anger, and anxiety are risk factors for hypertension Studies show that walking inhibits hypertension & regulates BP Physicians can implement walking and relaxation programs to decrease hypertensive attacks

Conclusion Walking & Relaxation exercises are effective interventions for decreasing BP in primary & resistant hypertension