The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive

Abstract

Hypertension is a non-communicable disease that is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in  Indonesia. The elderly are the most vulnerable group, given that the aging process is accompanied by decreased organ  function and a less active lifestyle. Hypertension management is not limited to pharmacological therapy, but can also be  carried out with non-pharmacological approaches, one of which is through progressive muscle relaxation. This technique  is considered effective in helping to lower blood pressure naturally, safely, and can be done independently. This study  aims to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on blood pressure in elderly people with  hypertension in the work area of the UPTD Samaenre Community Health Center, Sinjai Regency. The study design used  a pre-experimental with a pre-test and post-test approach. The sample consisted of 18 elderly people with hypertension  selected using a purposive sampling technique from a total population of 30 people. Blood pressure was measured using  a sphygmomanometer, and data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test. The results showed a decrease in blood  pressure after the intervention. The average systolic blood pressure before therapy was 145.89 mmHg and decreased to  143.78 mmHg. Meanwhile, diastolic blood pressure decreased from 87.56 mmHg to 86.44 mmHg. The statistical test  results showed a significance value of p = 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant effect of progressive muscle relaxation  therapy on blood pressure reduction.Conclusion: Progressive muscle relaxation therapy has been proven to be effective  in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive elderly and can be used as a safe, inexpensive, and easy-to-implement non drug intervention in primary health care.