Abstract
BackgroundMedication is generally recommended to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients. However, considering the difficulties and economic factors associated with long-term medication, interest in taichi as an exercise treatment method has increased recently in Korean medical practice. Numerous studies have suggested that taichi can be used to treat various diseases and that is can affect psychosomatic factors such as anxiety. This study aims to evaluate the effect of taichi in reducing blood pressure among grade 1 hypertensive patients.Methods/designIn this randomized, active-controlled, assessor-blinded, two parallel-armed trial, 80 grade 1 hypertension patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the usual care group or to the taichi group (n = 40 in each group). Subjects who voluntarily sign a study agreement will be educated in managing their own blood pressure by restricting salt intake, losing weight, moderating alcohol consumption, performing exercise, and regulating dietary intake at their first visit. In addition to self-management, the taichi group will perform two 60-min taichi sessions per week for a total of 8 weeks. Blood pressure will be measured as the primary outcome. In addition, body composition, heart rate, and the perceived intensity and difficulty of the exercise will be measured as secondary outcomes.DiscussionThis study is a randomized controlled trial of taichi, which is not widely practiced in Korea. It may provide valuable data on the effects of taichi on hypertension, which will inform non-pharmaceutical treatment options for this disorder.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service, KCT0003632. Registered on 18 March 2019.
Highlights
Medication is generally recommended to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients
◦ They must have been diagnosed with grade 1 hypertension during a health checkup or at the hospital, have systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 to 159 mmHg, or have diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 to 99 mmHg. ◦ They must understand the study procedures and should be able to follow the advice given ◦ They must sign the study agreement and voluntarily agree to participate in the study
◦ If their high blood pressure is deemed by a doctor as too difficult to treat with exercise because of conditions such as severe pain or joint deformation. ◦ If they are unable to communicate properly, for example due to dementia or mild cognitive impairment. ◦ If they are pregnant. ◦ If they should not be included in this study based on the investigator’s judgment
Summary
Medication is generally recommended to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients. Considering the difficulties and economic factors associated with long-term medication, interest in taichi as an exercise treatment method has increased recently in Korean medical practice. The goal of controlling hypertension is to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular disease by maintaining normal blood pressure [4, 5]. Considering the side effects and economic factors associated with long-term medication, non-medication approaches, such as eating healthily, exercising, ceasing smoking, and moderating alcohol consumption, are widely used to treat and manage hypertension along with pharmacotherapy [7]. A randomized controlled study conducted by Tsai et al [17] suggested that a 12-week period of taichi exercise reduces blood pressure, as well as lipid levels, and improves patient anxiety
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