Effectiveness of Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation (JPMR) on Hypertension among School going Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Hypertension could have its origin in childhood and go undetected unless specially looked
for. Though many risk factors were postulated for hypertension among adolescents, gap in knowledge is that
no studies are reported on effectiveness of interventions for hypertension among adolescents.
Objectives: To determine: 1) effectiveness of JPMR on blood pressure. 2) association of blood pressure
to selected variables. Basic procedure: In first phase, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among
980 adolescents following multistage stratified random sampling from classes 6th to 12th. Anthropometric
measurements, HR, BP and selected blood tests were done. In second phase experimental approach with
pre-test, post-test control and experimental was done with JPMR as intervention.
Main Findings: Both rural and urban adolescents were in par with regard to prevalence of hypertension.
There was significant association between hypertension and family history. Prevalence of hypertension
among 14-17 years was higher than 11-13 years. Prevalence of hypertension among overweight and obese
adolescents was significantly higher than their counterparts. Mean post-test systolic and Diastolic BP of
experimental groups in both rural and urban areas were significantly lower than their pre-test values and the
post-test values of their counterparts suggesting JPMR was effective.
Conclusion: JPMR is an effective intervention for adolescent hypertension. Relaxation techniques can be
made as part of curriculum in schools.