Impact of 12-Month Smartphone Breathing Meditation Program upon Systolic Blood Pressure among Non-Medicated Stage 1 Hypertensive Adults

Bibliographic Data

ID15467752
AuthorsJessica Chandler (0000-0001-8075-212X, Medical University of South Carolina, corresponding author), Luke Sox (0000-0002-2229-6370, Medical University of South Carolina), Vanessa A Díaz (0000-0002-7088-859X, Medical University of South Carolina), Kinsey Kellam (Medical University of South Carolina), Allison Neely (Medical University of South Carolina), Lynne S Nemeth (0000-0001-8691-1400, Medical University of South Carolina), Frank A Treiber (0000-0001-5495-4131, Medical University of South Carolina)
Year2020
Volume17
Issue6
Pages1955-1955
Publication date2020-03-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph17061955
PMID32192020
OpenAlexW3012441062
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited10

(1) Background: Hypertension (HTN) affects ~50% of adults and is a major risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease. In 2017, the SPRINT trial outcomes led to lowering of HTN cutoffs by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA). The Joint National Committee (JNC8) and National High BP Education Program recommend that lifestyle modifications be used as first-line HTN treatment. Chronic stress is a risk factor for HTN and cardiovascular disease. A recently completed 12 month randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a breathing meditation smart phone app (Tension Tamer, TT) involving JNC8 designated pre-HTN adults provided an opportunity to examine its impact upon individuals now classified as having stage 1 HTN. The TT app captures continuous real-time heart rate (HR) from a user's fingertip placed over a video camera lens during sessions. Users receive immediate feedback graphs after each session, showing their HR changes. They also receive motivational and social reinforcement SMS text messages the following day based upon levels of adherence. We conducted ancillary analyses of a 2-arm, 12-month, small-scale efficacy RCT among a subgroup of our total sample of participants, who are now classified as having stage 1 non-medicated systolic HTN. Primary outcome was change in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP). Secondary outcomes were change in resting diastolic blood pressure, adherence to the TT protocol, and perceived stress levels. (2) Methods: 30 adults (mean age: 45.0 years; 15 males; 16 White; 14 Black) with ACC/AHA 2017 defined systolic HTN (130-139 mmHg) on 3 consecutive sessions (mean SBP: 132.6 mmHg) were randomly assigned to TT or lifestyle education program delivered via smartphone (SPCTL). Each group received a twice-daily dosage schedule of TT or walking (month 1: 15 min; months 2 and 3: 10 min; months 4-12: 5 min). (3) Results: Mixed modeling results revealed a significant group x time effect for SBP (p p -values <0.04). (4) Conclusion: The TT app was beneficial in reducing SBP levels among adults with stage 1 systolic HTN. The TT app may be a promising, scalable first-line tactic for stage 1 HTN. Preparations are underway for an efficacy RCT involving uncontrolled stage 1 HTN patients

Blood pressure · Cardiology · Heart rate · Physical therapy · Randomized controlled trial · Stroke (engine · Cardiac Health and Mental Health · Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control · Medicine · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Internal Medicine