Effect of alternate nostril breathing exercise on blood pressure, heart rate, and rate pressure product among patients with hypertension in JIPMER, Puducherry

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension has a direct relationship with the circulation, respiration, and function of vital organs. Similarly, complementary therapy such as alternate nostril breathing exercise has a direct effect on mental and physical health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a quantitative experimental research with randomized controlled trial design. A total of 170 and 85 individuals were allotted to each group. Patients in the study group were instructed alternate nostril breathing exercise two times a day (10 min duration of exercise each time) for 5 days along with routine treatment, and patients in the control group underwent routine treatment. RESULTS: There was a marked reduction in systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, heart rate, and rate pressure product after the continuous 5-day alternate nostril breathing exercise in the study group. P < 0.0001 demonstrated a statistically significant difference in systolic BP, diastolic BP, heart rate, and rate pressure product that existed pre- and post-assessment on 1(st) day and 5(th) day. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that regular simple alternate nostril breathing exercise effectively reduces hypertension.