The effects of self-efficacy and family support program in 6 positions of rusie dutton exercise on blood pressure level among elderly with hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension is a serious "silent killer" that significantly increases the risks of brain and cardiovascular disorders as well as other diseases. Exercise with family support has been shown to reduce blood pressure. This study explored the effects of a self-efficacy and family support program in 6 positions of the Rusie Dutton exercises on blood pressure among elderly with hypertension. A quasi-experimental research with two-group pretest-posttest design integrated self-efficacy and social support as a conceptual framework. Thirty elderly Bangkok residents aged 60-75 years were selected for each group. The instruments consisted of the demographic data questionnaire, form for the measurement of perceived self-efficacy in exercise among the elderly with hypertension, blood pressure measuring instruments and the self-efficacy and family support program in 6 positions of the Rusie Dutton exercises. The experimental group of elderly hypertensive patients received self-efficacy promotion by exchanging experiences and learning 6 positions of the Rusie Dutton exercises. In addition, the researcher handed out handbooks for the participants to exercise at home 3 times per week, 60 minutes per session, for 8 weeks. Moreover, family members provided encouragement, feedback information and exercise video clips with suitable clothing. The control group exercised by themselves. Comparisons of the pretest and posttest systolic blood pressure (M=16.54, t=9.800, p < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (M=20.16, t=9.566, p < 0.05) between the experimental and control groups showed significant differences. The experimental group blood pressure was reduced post-program by an average of approximately 15 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 20 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. This study provides a model exercise program for elderly people with hypertension, and also for healthcare providers to apply the Rusie Dutton exercises as a complementary approach to enhancing the efficiency of blood pressure control among elderly people with hypertension.