EFFECTS OF SLOW DEEP BREATHING EXERCISE ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE FOR WORKERS EXPOSED TO NOISE IN PLASTIC INDUSTRY

Abstract

Background and purpose: Noise is considered as a nonspecific biological stressor that is associated with hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the slow deep breathing (SDB) exercise on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP respectively), and heart rate (HR) for workers in plastic industry. Subjects: forty male plastic factory workers, age range between 23-35 years old volunteered in this study. Procedures: Assessment of BP and HR took place in two consecutive visits over 2 weeks .During first visit (V1) BP and HR of 40 volunteers were assessed at beginning of their shift and the end of shift (4 p.m.). Thereafter volunteers were randomly assigned into two groups SDB and control groups (n= 20 each). In second visit (V2), volunteers in both groups were assessed at the beginning of their shift. Volunteers in SDB group were taught to perform SDB exercise. Volunteers in control group were not given any instruction or exercises. BP and HR of both groups were reassessed at end of shift. Results: At first visit post shift systolic BP, and HR were significantly different than pre-shift. In second visit the within group difference showed significant increase in control group, while no significant difference in SDB group in SBP and HR. Between groups comparison showed that SDB group had improvement SBP and HR compared to control group. Conclusion: This study showed that SDB exercise can prevent increased SBP & HR in noise- exposed factories workers.