Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on Antihypertensive Medication Reduction in Older Patients with Hypertension: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Ran Zhao,Longtao Liu,Shengjie Yang,Min Wu,Dan Li,Yanwei Xing,Mohammad Hashem Hashempur

doi:10.1155/2021/8663022

Abstract

Background Hypertension is a serious global public health problem, and its incidence increases with age. Research has suggested that multiple antihypertensive prescriptions may be harmful to older individuals with hypertension. Baduanjin, a widely practiced physical activity in China, has been used as an adjuvant therapy to antihypertensive treatment in older individuals with hypertension. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to investigate whether Baduanjin exercise could reduce the need for antihypertensive medications in older patients. Methods This single-center, open, randomized controlled trial will be conducted in China. Seventy eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the 12-week Baduanjin exercise group or the 12-week aerobic exercise group (5 times a week), at a ratio of 1 : 1. The primary outcome will include the proportion of participants who reduce their antihypertensive medications. The secondary outcomes will include the changes in mean office systolic and diastolic pressure, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, health-related quality of life (based on SF-36), and gut microbiota composition. Discussion. The results of this study will provide powerful evidence for the use of Baduanjin as an adjuvant therapy for antihypertensive medication reduction in older people with hypertension and therefore find the best treatment for hypertension. This trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR1900024429).

Highlights

Hypertension (HTN) is an age-related chronic disease, and its incidence increases with age [1]
Many patients with chronic conditions who are prescribed more antihypertensives have immense disease costs, which impacts their quality of life; nonadherence and nonpersistence are common [2, 9,10,11,12,13,14]. ere is consistent evidence that patients under medication could benefit from regular physical exercise when adequately prescribed and consistently practiced
Seventy eligible patients will be randomly assigned to either the Baduanjin exercise or aerobic exercise groups for 12 weeks. e outcomes will be assessed at 12 weeks. e study design process is shown in the study flow chart in Figure 1. e protocol of this clinical trial complies with Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials guidelines [24] and follows the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials [25]

Summary

Introduction

Hypertension (HTN) is an age-related chronic disease, and its incidence increases with age [1]. In China, more than 35% of patients with HTN aged ≥65 years control their blood pressure (BP) by taking two or more antihypertensive medications as prescribed [5]. Ere is consistent evidence that patients under medication could benefit from regular physical exercise when adequately prescribed and consistently practiced. Research has suggested that multiple antihypertensive prescriptions may be harmful to older individuals with hypertension. A widely practiced physical activity in China, has been used as an adjuvant therapy to antihypertensive treatment in older individuals with hypertension. E results of this study will provide powerful evidence for the use of Baduanjin as an adjuvant therapy for antihypertensive medication reduction in older people with hypertension and find the best treatment for hypertension. Discussion. e results of this study will provide powerful evidence for the use of Baduanjin as an adjuvant therapy for antihypertensive medication reduction in older people with hypertension and find the best treatment for hypertension. is trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR1900024429)

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