Non-Pharmacological Management of Hypertension in the Elderly: Integrating Warm Water Foot Soaks with Slow Deep Breathing Therapy

Abstract

Background: Blood pressure tends to increase with age due to elevated peripheral vascular resistance and reduced blood vessel elasticity. Non-pharmacological therapies offer viable alternatives or complement to pharmacological interventions for hypertension management. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of integrating warm-water foot soaks with slow, deep breathing therapy on blood pressure reduction in elderly individuals with hypertension. Methods: A case study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted at Bondowoso Nursing Home. The participant was an elderly individual aged >60 years with stage 2 hypertension. Blood pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer before and after the intervention. The combined intervention consisted of warm-water foot soaks (30-40°C) and slow, deep breathing exercises (4-4-4 technique: 4 seconds inhalation, 4 seconds breath-holding, 4 seconds exhalation) for 15 minutes per session. The intervention was administered twice weekly for two weeks (4 sessions total). Results: The mean blood pressure before the intervention was 175.00/92.50 mmHg, which decreased to 169.75/90.75 mmHg after the intervention. The mean reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 5.25 mmHg and 1.75 mmHg, respectively. Conclusion: The integration of warm-water foot soaks and slow, deep breathing therapy shows potential to lower blood pressure among elderly individuals with hypertension. For optimal therapeutic effects, consistent, regular implementation beyond 4 sessions is recommended. This combined non-pharmacological approach can be considered as a complementary therapy in hypertension management for the elderly.