Comparison of the effect of relaxation and biofeedback-assisted relaxation on stress and anxiety score in patients with mild hypertension

Introduction:Anxiety and stress are known to increase blood pressure. Psychological methods and behavioral therapy are appropriate and low-cost methods in hypertensive patients. This study aimed to assess the effect of biofeedback and biofeedback-assisted relaxation on stress and anxiety in patients with mild hypertension.Material and Methods:10 sessions were held every other day for the intervention groups. The subjects received 15 minutes of relaxation every session. Blood pressure was recorded every session before and after relaxation. The control groups referred for 10 sessions every other day and blood pressure was recorded twice 15 minutes apart. Kettle anxiety questionnaire and Malekpour stress questionnaire were used to assess stress and anxiety, respectively.Results:Stress and anxiety scores showed significant differences in relaxation and relaxation-biofeedback method relative to the control group (p<0.05). However, the difference was not significant between relaxation and relaxation-biofeedback groups.Conclusion:Relaxation-biofeedback was effective in reducing stress and anxiety in patients with mild hypertension. However, biofeedback-relaxation did not show any significant benefit over relaxation method.