Abstract

The objective of the study was to study the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on cardiovascular autonomic functions in offspring of hypertensive parents. A total of 40 normotensive offspring of hypertensives, who were participants of relaxation training programme at Bengaluru, were divided into study group and control group with 20 subjects in each group by randomization. Initially, the HR, HRV and BP response to mental stress were measured in all the subjects. Then the study group underwent twelve weeks of progressive muscle relaxation training whereas the control group did not. At the end of twelve weeks, second recording session was held and the same parameters were reassessed in all the subjects. Twelve weeks of relaxation training had caused significant decline in heart rate reactivity, reactivity values of total power, LF power, reactivity as well as recovery of diastolic pressure. The study concluded that twelve weeks of progressive muscle relaxation training significantly reduced the cardiovascular autonomic excitatory response to mental stress in offspring of hypertensive parents.

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