A Comparison of the Immediate Effects of Alternate Methods to Medication in Lowering the Blood Pressure in Prehypertensive Patients

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of alternative treatment methods in lowering the blood pressure and pulse of prehypertensive patients. Methods: A total of 48 prehypertensive patients were randomly divided into 4 groups of 12 patients and each group received a different intervention. The control group was made to rest, the heat pack (HP) group received heat pack treatment, the ultrasound (US) group received an ultrasound massage, and the myofascial release (MFR) group received myofascial release. The blood pressure and pulse rate were measured before and after intervention. Results: Following intervention, the patients of the MFR group showed a decrease in systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and pulse rate. Although blood pressure was similar in all groups, a significant decrease in pulse rate was seen in the MFR group compared to others. Conclusion: The application of MFR was shown to be an effective method for lowering the blood pressure and pulse rate in prehypertensive patients.