Evaluating Brisk Walking, Deep Breathing, and Stress Disclosure for Blood Pressure Reduction in Individuals with Prehypertension and Stress

Abstract

Background: Prehypertension often coincides with elevated stress levels, exacerbating the condition, and emphasizing the early self-management approach. Aim: Evaluate brisk walking, deep breathing, and stress disclosure for blood pressure reduction and perceived stress in individuals with prehypertension and stress. Methods: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted at Minia University Hospital, Egypt, involving 120 individuals aged ≥ 18 years with prehypertension and moderate to high perceived stress levels, randomly assigning them to either control (n=60) or study (n=60) groups. Data collected through structured interview questionnaires [Bio-socio-demographic and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)], blood pressure (BP), and PSS were re-measured after 2 and 4 weeks. Results: Both groups had similar bio-socio-demographics. Significant reductions in BP and PSS were observed in the study group (p < 0.001). Study group mean systolic BP changes were -3.4 mmHg (2 weeks) and -7.7 mmHg (4 weeks), with decreases in Diastolic BP (-2.4 and -3.03) and perceived stress scores (-3.43 and -5.73), respectively, while controls had mean Systolic BP changes of -0.83 mmHg (2 weeks) and -1.77 mmHg (4 weeks), with slight reduction in Diastolic BP (-0.63 and -1.6) and slight stress score increases at +0.63 (2 weeks) then reductions at -1.72 (4 weeks). Systolic and diastolic BP changes had strong positive correlations with PSS changes in the study group. Conclusion: Brisk walking, deep breathing, and stress disclosure interventions significantly reduced BP and PSS score in individuals with prehypertension and stress. Recommendation: Incorporate interventions into care plans. Further research is needed on long-term effects and underlying mechanisms.