Evaluation of thermal biofeedback treatment of hypertension using 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
Ten male hypertensives, whose BPs were controlled on a combination of sympatholytic and diuretic medications, were given 16 sessions of thermal biofeedback prior to attempting withdrawal from the sympatholytic drug. Results were evaluated using 24-hr ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) as well as clinic and home BPs, both in multi-baseline-across-subject designs and as a single group. Results showed significant treatment effects on 24-hr ABPM data, both at the individual level (SBPs only) and in the aggregate analyses (SBP and DBP). BPs assessed in the clinic by random zero sphygmomanometer and patient-assessed home BPs were also reduced.
Musso
A
A
Center for Stress and Anxiety Disorders, SUNY-Albany 12203.
Blanchard
E B
EB
McCoy
G C
GC
D000368:Aged; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D015924:Blood Pressure Monitors; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011603:Psychophysiology; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology*