Application of Complementary Massage on Reducing Blood Pressure among Hypertensive Patients in Tasilmalaya

Eli Kurniasih

Institute of Health Science Bakti Tunas Husada Tasikmalaya

ABSTRACT

Background:Hypertension is a global public health problem. The incidence of hypertension is the greatest among older adults. In Tasikmalaya, 2010 there were 24,674 cases of hypertension which 14,181 were suffered by the elderly at the age of 45 to over 70 years. Clinical massage can be used to reduce stress and improve tissue repair and muscle damage. This study aimed to determine the effect of complementary massage therapy to reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Subjects and Method: This was a quasi experiment study before and after without control design. This study was carried out at the Tamansari Community Health Center in Tasikmalaya, West Java. A total of 43 patients with hypertension was selected for this study. Complementary massage therapy was carried out for five times in five days of therapy. The dependent variable was hypertension. The independent variable was complementary massage therapy. Blood pressure was measured by sphygmanometer. Changes in blood pressure before and after massage were tested by chi-square.

Results: The sample consisted of26 (60%) femalesand 17 (40%) males. After the intervention, 56% of all hypertensive patients showed the reduction of blood pressure to normal level, and it was statistically significant.

Conclusion:Complementary massage therapy is effective to reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Keywords:hypertension, complementary, massage therapy

Correspondence: Eli Kurniasih. Institute of Health Science Bakti Tunas Husada Tasikmalaya, West Java. Email: kurniasih_eli@yahoo.co.id. Mobile:081313789177.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/theicph.2019.05.30

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