Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise on Reducing Anxiety and Blood Pressure among Pre-eclamptic Women

Abstract

The current study aimed to explore the effect of alternate nostril breathing exercise on reducing anxiety and blood pressure among pre-eclamptic women. Materials and method: A quasi-experimental pre-posttest design was used. The study was carried out at Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinic, Mansoura University. A non-probability purposive sample of 63 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia, had one viable fetus recruited to participate in the study. Data was collected through Structured interview Schedule, The Korean version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Tool to quantify the dependent variables, such as HR and BP. Results: There was a significant difference between pre and post-test results in favor of post-intervention. However, following the intervention, there was a drop in heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety levels. Also, there were highly statistically significant differences between different times of intervention (Pre, Immediate post, One week post and 4 weeks post) regarding SBP, DBP, Pulse rate and STAI (p< 0.001). There was a positive correlation between anxiety and SBP, DBP in addition to Pulse rate (r= 0.292 & p= 0.020), (r= 0.377 & p= 0.002) and (r= 0.329 & p= 0.008) respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present research demonstrated that practicing breathing through both nostrils exercise was beneficial in lowering anxiety, and blood pressure. It's a simple, socially acceptable, safe method that doesn't need any training or preparation. Recommendations: Alternate nostril breathing highly recommended to incorporate it into pre-eclamptic women's routine care.