Yoga and Hypertension: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this systematic review is to study the effects of yoga in reducing blood pressure in adult patients with hypertension. Yoga is universally accepted as ancient practice in which you use breathing techniques, exercise and mediation. Yoga is increasing being practiced in studios and is widely being accepted as part of a wellness program in corporate companies. The focus of this literature review is to provide a summary and evaluation of the existing research and gain a new body of knowledge on the use of yoga to manage hypertension. This systematic review used the Health Belief Model as the theoretical framework. Methods: CINAHL, PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic OneFile, MEDLINE, Science Citation Index and EBSCO Host. Search criteria randomized clinical trials, peer-reviewed papers, systematic and metaanalysis articles between 1993 and 2017. Results: Eleven studies were reviewed with 957 total participants. There are six randomized clinical trials, two matched controlled and three interventional studies. Two types of yoga were specified, in the studies, eight were not. Two of the eleven studies showed no significant change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Through the studies analysed, it can be concluded that practicing yoga can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.