Abstract
Although several previous studies have reported the effect of qigong on lowering blood pressure, rigorous trials are lacking. Studies evaluating the effect of qigong on prehypertension are also scarce. This study aimed to assess the effect of qigong on prehypertension and mild hypertension. Participants with prehypertension or mild hypertension were randomized to the Dongeui qigong group or a nontreated control group. In the qigong group, Dongeui qigong was administered 5 times/week for 12 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention for blood pressure control. Fifty-two participants were included in this study. Even though diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in the qigong group after 8 weeks (p = 0.04) compared to baseline, the difference in change in blood pressure between the qigong and control groups was not significant. There were no significant differences in quality of life between the qigong and control groups. Dongeui qigong is not significantly effective in pre/mild hypertension compared with controls. This result could be due to a lack of effect of qigong or caused by other factors, such as the type of qigong, target symptoms, inappropriate sample size, and compliance of participants. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with KCT0001397 (Clinical Research Information Service).
Highlights
Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death worldwide [1]
The eligible participants were randomly assigned to the qigong group (n = 25) or the control group (n = 27), and data for all these participants were analyzed
A previous systematic review showed an effect of qigong on hypertension [7]
Summary
Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death worldwide [1]. In addition to patients with hypertension, those with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 120–139 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 80–89 mmHg (prehypertension) are at higher risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease compared with those with normal blood pressure [2]. Prehypertension and hypertension require proper management of blood pressure. The World Health Organization recommends a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and more exercise [1]. Lifestyle changes are not sufficient for some people, and achieving and maintaining these goals are difficult [3]. Medication for control of hypertension has some problems, such as side effects and cost of treatment [4]
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