The Effect of Back Massage on Blood Pressure in the Patients with Primary Hypertension in 2012-2013: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND Tension and stress are among the factors that lead to hypertension. In most individuals, behavioral strategies, such as relaxation and massage, are effective in controlling the individuals' response to stress, thus reducing hypertension. METHODS This non-blind clinical trial was conducted on 90 patients with primary hypertension. The patients were randomly divided into a control and an intervention group. In both groups, blood pressure was measured and recorded twice a week before and after a 10-min Swedish back massage and rest for 6 weeks. The study data were collected using a questionnaire including demographic information, a check list of blood pressure record, and a fixed manometer. RESULTS In the intervention group, systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased to 6.44 and 4.77 mmHg, respectively after back massage (P<0.001). CONCLUSION The obtained results were indicative of the effectiveness of back massage in reducing blood pressure in the study participants. Using stress control methods, such as massage, is a simple, acceptable, and teachable method for families to control blood pressure. After conducting more studies on this issue, back massage can be recommended as a non-pharmacological method to control blood pressure. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER IRCT2013112615552N1.