The Effect of a Biofeedback-Based Integrated Program on Improving Orthostatic Hypotension in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is prevalent among community-dwelling older adults and is associated with multiple negative health outcomes. Older adults are susceptible to developing OH because aging alters autonomic nervous system function. Biofeedback is a noninvasive, nonpharmacological intervention that can modulate autonomic nervous system dysfunction in older adults.

Objectives: Our aim in this study was to examine the effect of a biofeedback-based integrated program on community-dwelling older adults with OH.

Methods: We conducted a controlled pilot study. Community-dwelling older adults 65 years or older who had nonneurogenic OH were eligible. Data from 51 participants, comprising 27 in the intervention group and 24 in the control group, were analyzed. Weekly biofeedback-based integrated program consisting of biofeedback training along with group education about behavioral modification, physical activities, and telephone counseling was provided for 12 weeks. Orthostatic hypotension was evaluated by measuring the drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after postural changes. Autonomic nervous system function was measured using heart rate variability.

Results: Among the indicators of heart rate variability, total power ( P = .037) and low frequency ( P = .017) increased significantly, suggesting that autonomic function improved. Severity of orthostatic symptoms ( P < .001) and drops in systolic ( P = .003) and diastolic ( P = .012) blood pressure after postural changes decreased significantly in the intervention group.

Conclusion: Biofeedback-based integrated program was effective in improving autonomic nervous system function and alleviated OH. Therefore, biofeedback-based integrated program should be tested in a larger randomized controlled study with long-term follow-up.